Development of a novel textile nano-deposition process to increase lifetime, efficacy and reusability of face masks for Non-Medical Key Workers.

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In the context of the national response to COVID-19, it is urgent to protect the UK's 7.33 million Non-Medical Key Workers (NMKW), e.g. care workers, bus drivers, breakdown services, fire/police and many retail workers.The main mode of SARS-CoV-2 infection is aerosol particles, so the wearing of masks by NMKWs is essential to minimise transmission. With extended use, however, moisture build-up reduces mask filtration efficiency and breathability, increasing cross-contamination risk. This is an issue for long shifts. Furthermore, surgical masks are **not reusable**, making them **expensive** and **environmentally unsustainable**. Reusable cloth masks usually offer more limited protection and have high risk of surface contamination.P2i is a world leader in the development of hydrophobic/oleophobic coatings. We have developed a unique nano-deposition technology that applies a deeply impregnated conformal coating to protect a variety of materials. Our patented process extends the time a mask can be safely used, better protecting users, reducing NMKW mask requirements and contributing to the resolution of supply issues.This project seeks to adapt P2i's innovative nano-deposition technology, developed for chemical warfare protection, for a novel application: i.e. to significantly increase the hydrophobicity and oleophobicity of face masks made from a range of materials. We will also seek to demonstrate that treated masks maintain their performance across repeated wash cycles.If successful, our technology will allow UK manufacturers to coat 29.5 million masks each month from 66 systems; enough to meet the UK's entire NMKW demand.