Russian scientists have created a cloth for filters and masks that can kill viruses and bacteria that get on its surface, Report informs referring to Izvestia newspaper.
The antiseptic non-woven fabric has been named ‘Ionit.’
During the production of the material, a component is added to the base to impart plasticity and better textile processing, as well as viscose fiber to make it more durable. Bacteria and viruses cling to tissue fibers and do not ‘fly off’ it to other materials. At the same time, the material is more comfortable to wear than conventional masks, the developers say.
“We add active organic molecules to the structure of the material. These fragments deactivate, that is, destroy viruses and bacteria when they get to the surface of the material. Moreover, the active fragments don’t ‘evaporate’ from the surface of the material. The effect on bacteria is by destroying the cell membrane,” said Maxim Yakovlev, Development Director of the Health of the Nation company.
COVID viruses, hitting the surface of the ‘Ionit,’ were destroyed in a few seconds. The fabric can be used for sewing masks, making disposable and reusable protective clothing for workers at risk of COVID infection.