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Textile technology company Xefco and Deakin University researchers have joined forces to deliver longer-life antiviral face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) that safeguard against infectious pathogens like COVID-19.

The project, now in its final stages, is said to have improved the durability of already-developed antiviral and heat-reflective metallic coatings for textiles.

Tom Hussey, CEO at Xefco and lead of the research collaboration, said the outcomes of the research and development (R&D) were poised to increase the quality and longevity of antiviral masks and other critical PPE manufactured in Australia.

鈥淏y advancing the metallisation technologies, we have created a more durable textile for PPE that can be used over extended periods while providing improved protection against COVID-19 and other viruses,鈥� he said.

鈥淚n addition to increasing the life of the product, our research has generated new possibilities for repurposing the materials at the end of their life to create a circular supply chain and reduce the consumption of raw materials.鈥�

Dr Alessandra Sutti, Associate Professor at Deakin University鈥檚 Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), said the project demonstrated the importance of knowledge translation that focused on extending product life and repurposing existing materials.

鈥淚FM鈥檚 researchers have made significant improvements to the durability of the materials,鈥� she said.

鈥淭hese improvements include improved durability to laundering, disinfecting, aging and exposure to certain liquids, and are set to support the important move away from single-use PPE products.鈥�

Dr Matthew Young, IMCRC鈥檚 Manufacturing Innovation Manager, stressed the importance of funding of relevant research and innovation, and in turn, fostering the growth of Australia鈥檚 advanced materials manufacturing capability.

鈥淭he outcomes of this project will support the establishment and expansion of local textile materials and PPE manufacturing capability and increase the supply-chain availability of these critical products,鈥� he said.

鈥淭his industry-focused R&D also positions Australia as a leader in advanced textile technologies, creating pathways for further collaborations and generating significant global export opportunities.鈥�

The organisations teamed up for the 10-month, $500,000 project, with the support of the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC).

Image: Supplied.