CeNS transfers a face mask design to Camellia Clothing Ltd. for mass production

With the increase of active COVID cases in India and other countries, it is strongly recommended to have face masks 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, provided one need not compromise comfort particularly during wearing for long hours.

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. 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 without any discomfort. Further, the researchers have chosen thefabric layers such that there is a possibility of deactivating pathogens sheerly by the electric charges that may prevail under mild friction due to triboelectric nature of the fabric. These advanced level tests are being carried out.

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.