Scientists create a new kind of mask, which is nearly transparent but still safe for users

As wearing a mask is becoming a new norm around the world, researchers at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Empa of Switzerland have found a solution to one of the biggest challenges. of wearing a mask that is part of a covered face. With this solution, the new mask will now become transparent and no longer cover the face and mouth of the wearer.

Although wearing a mask has become necessary during a pandemic today, it also has many inconveniences for users. Even the thinnest masks are quite hot, uncomfortable and often distorted, making it difficult for someone to use a virtual assistant on the phone.

This material protects the user well despite being nearly transparent and easier to breathe.

Above all, the fact that a part of the face is covered by a mask makes it difficult for nurses to show their sympathy to the patient through facial expressions, as well as limits the ability to communicate, especially for for people with hearing impairments.

So in a few months, a few prototypes of the type of mask see-through has appeared on the internet, but this design often replace part of the cloth mask with transparent plastic sheets. However, it reduces the ability to breathe and is often obscured by the wearer's breath, rendering this solution useless.

Meanwhile, researchers from EPFL and EMPA (Swiss Materials Science and Technology Laboratory) have spent the last two years developing a better alternative, while still protecting Good protection for users even though almost transparent and easier breathing.

Their efforts have created HelloMask masks , made from organic biological materials. So besides being almost transparent, they can also be recycled and biodegradable after stopping use.

This new type of mask no longer covers the face and mouth of the wearer.

To produce this new material, the scientists used a manufacturing process called electrospinning or electrochemical rotation , which draws out thin filaments of polymer solution using electrostatic attraction. From these polymer fibers, the researchers weave it into sheets with a spacing of about 100nm, the equivalent of a regular disposable mask. Therefore, it still allows air to pass through but blocks bacteria and viruses.

The researchers weave it into sheets with a spacing of about 100nm.

More importantly, the new mask design is no longer a research project. The team set up a startup to market the technology it created and is currently in the process of developing the process needed to mass produce these transparent masks. They are optimistic that the new mask will be launched in early 2021. Initially it will be for nurses and doctors, and as production capacity increases, they can supply it to the public. them.