Czech researchers develop high quality face masks and respirators

The demand for face masks and respirators is very high during the global pandemic and while governments find it hard to satisfy the demand, scientists are racing to find alternative sources. In the Czech Republic, scientist at different universities highly contribute to the national production.

Scientists from the Technical University in Liberec started producing facemasks made of special nanomaterials for the doctors and nurses in the region. As they wanted to be able to produce as many as possible, they decided to change the method of production and started producing only smaller filters, which are inserted into the masks made of cloth. Today, they can produce up to 100 000 nano-filters every day.

A team of researchers at the Czech Institute of Computer Science, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC) of the Czech Technical University in Prague has developed a high-grade respirator that can be printed on industrial 3D printers or produced by injection molding technology. Its prototype was developed within one week only. The respiratosr can be printed on 3D printers anywhere in the world, they are reusable and most importantly – they are as effective as the FFP3 respirators on the market.

As said, following a simple disinfection procedure and replacement of the filter, the respirator can be used multiple times. Aviation construction engineer Alexandr Lazarov, who oversees the project, says the team raced against the clock to deliver a reliable product in record time. There are 8 appropriate printers around the country – one printer can produce 50 – 60 respirators a day, which means 400 – 500 respirators can be made every day. As the demand is still much higher, the scientists are now developing another model of the respirator, which would allow mass production.

Sources: https://www.radio.cz/en/section/curraffrs/