India has created a mask that kills 99.9% of viruses

Ordinary cloth face masks can only trap the pathogens of COVID-19 and other diseases. The variant developed by the specialists of the International Center for Advanced Research in Powder Metallurgy and New Materials works differently - it blocks reproduction of viruses and bacteria on tissue and destroys them.

To achieve this effect, Indian researchers applied a suspension of copper-based nanoparticles about 20 nm in size to one of the layers of the mask. They were obtained using a flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) plant, which converted the solution into a nanopowder. This approach made it possible to destroy 99.9% of the pathogens of the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus.

The production was organized jointly with Resil Chemicals. It now produces two-layer disposable masks that filter the air but do not kill viruses. A self-disinfecting option can make a difference.

Specialists have prepared several prototypes of masks. For example, a three-layer version can be worn as usual, and a single-layer one can be worn over another mask that does not have antibacterial properties.

Scientists also noted that due to the massive use of disposable masks made of synthetic materials, volumes of waste that are not biodegradable are growing. The new masks are made from biodegradable cotton fabric, so they will be easier to dispose of with minimal environmental impact.