Reusable face mask could be answer to PPE shortfall

With face masks in high demand - and an expectation that the widespread need for masks will continue as the virus persists - Shanov and Chae saw an opportunity to make an impact.

The research team is working on a design and prototype of the face mask that could kill viruses caught on the mask surface. The team plans to use thin, breathable film constructed of engineered carbon nanomaterials as a heatable filter that can be retrofitted onto the outer surface of a commercial face mask to prevent buildup of infectious pathogens. This heatable filter will be powered by a portable battery or a cell phone and is thermally insulated from facial skin. The mask can be energized when worn by the user or in storage to disinfect it.

Faculty members and students with a variety of backgrounds will be involved in the project, which is just getting underway. Yanbo Fang, a doctoral student in materials science, and Hung Nguyen, an undergraduate chemical engineering student, have been instrumental in the creation of an initial prototype that will be optimized and tested for breathability and virus inactivation.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of Cincinnati