IIT-Delhi Startup Develops Indigenous Face Mask: At a time when good quality masks are in short supply amid the coronavirus outbreak, an IIT Delhi startup has launched N95 masks for ₹45, a fraction of the prevailing prices.
According to an IIT-Delhi statement, the ‘Kawach’ mask is at par with the N95 mask ineffectiveness, but costs just Rs 45 a piece.
“The mask is at par with N95 in terms of proper fitting, and engineered filtration layer that could provide up to 98% filtration efficiency,” IIT Delhi said adding that the price is affordable so that it can reach masses for enhanced protection.
The product efficiency is backed with the strong technical inputs from the core textile team in the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT-D.
Prof Bipin Kumar of the Textile and Fiber Engineering Department, IIT-D, said, “India has several massive challenges ahead – disposal of PPEs (including mask and coveralls) after one-time use and ensuring the minimum use of non-woven technology for PPEs. The ‘Kawach’ mask is a result of our indigenous manufacturing capabilities.”
Mentored by professors at the department of textile and fiber engineering, the startup said it is ready to supply the mask, named Kawach, provided each order is for 100 units or above.
“The cost of N95 mask used for the protection against COVID-19 in the Indian market is quite high, making it unaffordable for the masses. People are using surgical masks also but due to loose-fitting of such masks, not securing proper cover around the nose and mouth, this may allow the COVID-19 virus to enter or leave from the side edges. Furthermore, the use of sewn cloth face covering or handkerchief is useful only to an extent, not providing sufficient protection due to the absence of non-woven layer,” IIT Delhi said.
IIT said that the team is now scouting for funding to scale up production to meet high-volume demand and reworking on a N95 mask product that can be washed and reused.
