IIT Guwahati develops coating to modify ordinary masks for better protection against COVID-19

The modified eri silk mask repels droplets and can be reused again after subsequent washing and drying.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a ‘Nanometer Thick Superhydrophobic Coating’ material to modify regular cotton and silk masks that will not only be comfortable but also offer better protection against COVID-19. 

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, N95 masks protects people against COVID-19 to a great extent. However, many people have complained of suffocation after wearing these masks for a long period. Also, N95 are costly which is why many people don’t buy these. 

To address these challenges, IIT Guwahati researchers developed a coating material to modify cloth mask into a hydrophobic mask to repel virus-laden droplets and avoid breathing difficulties even when worn for a longer period of time. These masks can also be used with other additives such as antibacterial nanomaterial for additional protection against viruses.  

The research was led by Arun Chattopadhyay from the Department of Chemistry and Centre for Nanotechnology, IIT Guwahati, and Partho SG Pattader from Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Health Science and Technology, and Centre for Nanotechnology, IIT Guwahati. 

Modified silk mask more breathable than N95 mask 

The breathability was tested by measuring the oxygen permeation through the mask with the help of an instrument called gas chromatography. The penetration of oxygen reduces by only 22 per cent for the modified eri silk mask compared to the natural eri silk mask, whereas for N95 the reduction with respect to the natural eri silk came out to be around 59 per cent. Hence, the modified silk mask is way more breathable than the N95 mask but with almost similar protection against aerosol-driven infections. 

When any droplet hits the modified eri silk mask, it bounces back into the air rather than being passed through the fabric or getting soaked by the fabric itself. Another advantage is that these modified eri silk masks can be reused again after subsequent washing with household detergent and drying. 

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