An ergonomic design for COVID-19 protection mask is essential for its ease of
use for long hours: Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST
A team of researchers at Centre for
Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bangalore, an autonomous institute of the
Department of Science and Technology, have developed a cup-shaped design
(patent filed) of the mask that helps to create enough space in front of the
mouth while speaking. It has been transferred to a Bangalore based company for
mass production.
This snug fit mask causes no speech
distortion, no fogging on glasses, and indeed, packs well all around, leaving
practically no room for leakage while breathing. Another important advantage is
its high breathability allowing one to wear it without any
discomfort. Further, the researchers have chosen the fabric layers such
that there is a possibility of deactivating pathogens sheerly by the electric
charges that may prevail under mild friction due to the triboelectric nature of
the fabric. These advanced-level tests are being carried out.
"While an ergonomic design for
COVID-19 protection mask is essential for its ease of use for long hours, it is
often not paid much attention beyond a few standard designs. A good design
should minimize the feeling of intrusion and leakage around the edges, but
maximize the ease of breathing and talking while holding its place," said
Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
With the increase of active COVID
cases in India and other countries, usage of face masks has been advised for
the general public. While the healthcare professionals can use the special and
high technical quality medical masks, for the general public, a mask with
moderate filtering efficiency should suffice. It should be comfortable to wear
to encourage public to wear it for long hours.
CeNS has transferred this technology
to Camellia Clothing Ltd., a Bangalore based garment company, established a
couple of decades ago. The company wishes to produce and sell around one lakh
mask per day through different distribution channels throughout India.
KGS/DST
(Release
ID: 1626356)
Posted On: 23 MAY 2020
2:25PM by PIB Delhi
