Prevention
Title:
Biodegradable face masks
Short description:
Development and implementation of technologies for automatic production of single-use masks and reusable masks from biodegradable material.
Author:
SPIRIDON Nano Textile Technologies/FabLab Technologies
Requested Budget:
52.500 USD (co-funding ensured)
Time frame:
3 months
Problem: Without vaccine or direct cure for Covid-19, prevention measures are the only way to stop the spread of the infection. The use of a protective mask is one of the most effective means of protection. Currently, the entire global production of disposable masks is not enough to meet the needs of the market. The procurement crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic is a warning that we need to rely more on the development of local technologies and capacities. Also, many cities in Serbia have recorded very high levels of air pollution during the winter months, which could influence the growth of demand for masks that protect against PM2 particles, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic has made the wearing of this type of protection a new habit.
Solution: This solution encompasses the production of various types of protective face masks made of biodegradable material: three-layer protective masks, three-layer protective masks with eye visor, reusable masks with replaceable four-layer PM2.5 carbon filter and protective masks with external filter. The team has developed their own biodegradable material, to contribute to elimination of single-use products, as well as to reducing the medical waste management issues. Another innovative detail is the eye-visor added to the three-layer protective type of mask in order to prevent contamination of eyes via touch or droplets. Reusable mask with replaceable four-layer PM2.5 carbon filter is designed for a two-way protection, to filter the aerosol inhaled by the user and to stop the spread of droplets from the wearer into the outside air. In protective masks with external filter breathing is performed exclusively through the filter that provides filtered, clean air.
Additional info: Currently, the project team has a capacity of producing about 42 000 masks per day. After distributing the masks to those in need during the state of health epidemic, the remaining quantities could be sold at the market.