Development of rechargeable N95 masks and testing device

N95 masks capture and filter out particles (size ~0.3 microns) with 95% efficiency. While the fibres of the mask pose as a mechanical barrier, an electrostatic charge on the surface of the mask traps particles. With usage, the electrostatic charge on the N95 masks erodes away, thus, decreasing the filtering efficiency of the mask.

To address this bottleneck, a team of researchers, led by Dr. G. Rajalakshmi and Prof. T. N. Narayanan, have developed a low-cost rechargeable N95 mask. They have achieved this by modifying one of the layers of the standard N95 mask with the use of a graphene oxide based paint. Additionally, the researchers have built a simple device for testing the quality of mask materials. This device, developed in-house, uses low cost, easily available sensors in the Indian market. 

Press coverage:
1. The Hindu: TIFR comes up with cheap rechargeable N95 mask
2. Namasthe Telangana: TIFR Hyderabad comes up with low-cost rechargeable N95 mask
3. Telangana Today: TIFR Hyderabad comes up with low-cost rechargeable N95 mask
4. Mathrubhumi: