Australian team develops more durable antiviral PPE coatings through R&D project

A ten-month R&D project nearing completion is about to improve the durability and performance of antiviral coatings for Australian made facemasks and other PPE items, according to those behind it.

The project between coating technology specialist Xefco, Deakin University and the Innovative Manufacturing CRC had improved the durability of “of already-developed antiviral and heat-reflective metallic coatings” according to the IMCRC.

The IMCRC has supported the project, which has a total budget of $500,000, through a grant via its activate program.

“By 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,” said Xefco CEO and project lead Tom Hussey in a statement on Thursday.

“In addition to increasing the life of the product, our research has generated new possibilities for re-purposing the materials at the end of their life to create a circular supply chain and reduce the consumption of raw materials.”

Deakin’s Alessandra Sutti, an Associate Professor at the Institute for Frontier Materials, said the improvements were in “durability to laundering, disinfecting, aging and exposure to certain liquids, and are set to support the important move away from single-use PPE products.”

Dr Matthew Young of the IMCRC added that, “The 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.”

Xefco is involved in a JV with PPK Group named Survivon, announced last year, which manufactures antibacterial and antiviral facemasks using an ultra-thin coating of high-purity copper.

Picture: a close-up of metallic coating on fabric (supplied)

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