IIT researchers develop technology that makes masks from waste plastic bottles

IIT researchers develop technology that makes masks from waste plastic bottles

New Delhi: Researchers at IIT Mandi claim to have developed a technology for making high-efficiency masks using waste pet bottles that are not only more breathable than commercially available masks but also can be washed and reused up to 30 times.

The team at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has also filed a patent for the waste plastic bottles derived filter membrane technology based on electrospinning.

The researchers shredded waste plastic bottles and dissolved the pieces using a combination of solvents and extruded nanofibres from the solution.

According to Sumit Sinha Ray, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi, the team used waste plastic bottles to develop a single thin layer of nano-nonwoven membrane that provides desirable particle filtration efficiency, at par with N95 respirator and a medical mask.

“The first concern that comes to mind when we hear that something is made of plastic is whether it is safe to use. These nanofibres meet the safety requirements of the user by excluding the bacteria and infectious components. The breathability in the developed masks is better than the commercially available masks. At the laboratory scale, the material cost for the mask was around Rs 25 per piece. However, during the commercial manufacturing stage, its cost will be nearly halved. The mask can be washed and reused up to 30 times,” Ray said.

“Nanofibres can do wonders for masks. Air-borne particulate and pollutant removal efficiency and breathability are the two main criteria for efficient masks. Commercially available melt-blown fabric-based masks can be efficient at a cost of high breathing resistance, whereas generic three-ply surgical masks are breathable but have meagre efficiency. Nanofibres based masks can filter out small particles effectively despite being comfortably breathable,” he explained.

The team claimed that the masks will not require any separate protocol to be followed for their disposal than the standard hygiene measures.

Ashish Kakoria, a research scholar at the institute and one of the team members, said, “These ultrafine fibres allow less resistance in airflow due to a unique phenomenon called ‘slip flow’ which improves breathability. Moreover, the thrown away PET bottles can be put to good use using this technique.”

The coronavirus pandemic has mandated the use of masks by people to avoid contracting the infection. India registered its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday, with 9,971 new infections taking the country’s tally to 2,46,628, while the death toll rose to 6,929, according to the Union Health Ministry. The country registered 287 deaths in the last 24 hours since Saturday morning.

India had raced past Spain on Saturday to become the fifth worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, only the US, Brazil, Russia and the UK are ahead of it.

COVID-19: Uber makes masks mandatory for riders, drivers

COVID-19: Uber makes masks mandatory for riders, drivers

New Delhi: Uber on Monday said it is introducing a set of measures, including mandatory usage of face masks for both driver and rider in India during a ride, as part of its efforts to ensure safety amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the fourth phase of lockdown starting Monday, states and union territories have been given the power decide on the containment, buffer, red, orange and green zones, after taking into consideration the parameters shared by the health ministry.

Depending on the states’ decision, ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Ola will resume services in various locations and follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“Starting today, drivers and riders will have to wear face masks if they are using Uber in India and in most other countries where Uber operates,” Uber Global Senior Director Product Management Sachin Kansal told reporters.

He added that this is part of COVID-19 specific safety features and policies being introduced to ensure the safety of drivers and riders.

“Over the last two months, our global tech and safety product teams have been hard at work building a new, product experience for riders and drivers. Today, as India eases its lockdown, it’s important we take all necessary precautions to help keep ourselves safe and to make the next trip safer for all,” Kansal said.

These new features and policies have been rolled out globally, and will be enhanced and revised as needed to ensure a safer experience for all, he added.

Before they go online on the platform, driver-partners will be asked to confirm – via a new Go Online Checklist – that they’ve taken certain safety measures and are wearing a face mask. They will also have to upload a selfie wearing a face mask, and Uber’s new technology will verify the identity of the driver.

A similar checklist has been built for riders and before every trip, the rider will have to confirm that they’ve taken precautions like wearing a face mask, and washing or sanitising their hands.

Kansal said new options for feedback have also been added for both rider and driver to inform the company if the other party was not wearing a mask or face cover.

He added that the cancellation policy have also been updated to allow drivers and riders to cancel trips if they don’t feel safe, including if a user is not wearing a mask or face cover.

To allow for space between the driver and rider during a ride, Uber is advising riders not to sit in the front seat, and only two riders will be allowed in the rear seat of the car.

The company said it is working with global and local public health authorities, and has compiled safety tips and recommendations that will be sent to all riders and drivers.

Both Uber and Ola had suspended operations after the government announced a nationwide lockdown from March 25 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

After 40 days of lockdown, some relaxations were provided in the third phase of the lockdown from May 4, including allowing cab services to operate with conditions in locations that have very few or no confirmed cases reported (orange and green zones).

Uber had announced starting operations in 25 cities including Jamshedpur, Kochi, Cuttack and Guwahati (green zone) as well as locations like Amritsar, Rohtak, Gurugram and Visakhapatnam (orange zone) in the third phase of the lockdown. It has not yet announced the additional cities, where it will resume operations.