COVID-19 Spunbond Face Mask

feather-calendarPosted on 21 มีนาคม 2024 document
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Although the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, precautionary measures remain in place to mitigate the potential resurgence of the virus. Recognizing that face mask represents a simple, yet effective preventive tool, a research team at KMUTT, together with Mahidol University and Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, has developed an innovative spunbond face mask that can effectively prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, as well as other types of viruses and bacteria. This research endeavor received support from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation(MHESI).

NRCT Executive Director Dr. Wiparat De-ong, says thatNRCT as a principal public research funding agency is committed to foster research and innovation and their applications to make socio-economic impacts. Throughout the pandemic, the council allocated funding for numerous projects aimed at developing technologies and innovationsthat combat and alleviate the impacts of COVID-19. One of the projects was the development of non-woven fabric,proposed by KMUTT, that can effectively inhibit the COVID-19 virus for the manufacturing of personal protective equipment.

Dr. Wiparat De-ong
Asst. Prof. Dr. Siriluk Chiarakorn
 the project’s lead investigator from the Faculty of Environmental and Materials Sciences, reveals the fundamental mechanism behind the face mask. This mechanism entails the integration of a photocatalyst named AZT into the fabric fibers. AZT has been specially designed to deactivate and eradicate pathogens through the oxidation process both in darkness and under visible light. Unlike surface coatings, the incorporation of AZT directly into the fabric fibers enhances the durability and longevity of the AZT particles on the fabric.

These AZT particles exhibit antimicrobial properties that effectively destroy a wide spectrum of viruses and bacteria, allowing them to be applied to the production of masks, lab gowns, and air filters for disease prevention. In addition to their pathogen-inhibiting capabilities, AZT particles facilitate the decomposition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde and benzene. This attribute broadens the scope of AZT applications to encompass various textile products, including garments, bed covers, and vehicle interior materials. 

The AZT technology has been applied for patent and entered into an agreement for commercial utilization with industrial partners. The technology has potential to addvalue to medical equipment and personal protective equipment, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Thai manufacturers in the global market.