A reusable 3D printed mask has been developed by researchers at the UAE Khalifa University of Science and Technology, which can be used as a substitute for the N95 masks.
According to the reports, the mask was designed by a team within the Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) of the university who are currently evaluating the filtration efficiency, geometry/fit, flexibility, material suitability and manufacturability of the mask for medical applications.
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A prototype has been printed and once it finished, an evaluation will be carried out before the requisite approvals are obtained.
N95 respirators and face masks are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that shield the person from liquid pollutants and airborne particles.
Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology said, “Community-relevant research has always remained a key pillar of our strategy and we are keen to offer our resources to support R&D in this area, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The current situation is unprecedented in history and has created challenges that require smart scientific solutions through innovation. We believe through the research work at ARIC, we would be able to offer a suitable solution to tackle the challenges posed by the pandemic and protect our frontline defence with this mask,”
Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC)
ARIC, as a leading research centre focused on advanced manufacturing and robotics, contributes to the development of efficient techniques for the manufacture of advanced structures and innovative procedures for the automated manufacture and assembly of aerospace components.
ARIC has completed nine major industry-focused projects over the past five years, 28 student-led projects involving 65 national UAE students, multiple patented inventions, and more than 30 scholarly publications in respected scientific journals.
