Sustaining its commitment of contributing towards the well‐being of healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic, PNB Housing Finance Limited announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Delhi. The initiative will support critical research and development (R&D) of a unique prototype material to be used in manufacturing sustainable (washable and reusable) PPE surgical gowns and masks. These will then be supplied to notable government hospitals.
Through this MoU, PNBHFL will support the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi in fast‐tracked R&D of high‐quality PPE material. The cloth technology developed under this initiative will help in producing affordable, sustainable and reusable PPEs. The prototype will be tested at government‐accredited labs.
The main objective of the current research is designing and developing critical PPE face masks and surgical gowns using Jacquard knitting technology. The knit construction for the mask will be optimized for a secure 3D‐fit around the face with a layer of melt‐blown, nonwoven material in between ensuring efficient filtration/barrier protection with good breathability.
Elaborating on the initiative, Neeraj Vyas, Managing Director and CEO of PNB Housing Finance said, “The COVID‐19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented lockdown in many geographies globally. We believe all public and private stakeholders must contribute their mite in stopping its spread. As part of our societal responsibilities, PNBHFL has joined hands with IIT Delhi in ensuring we contribute to the national effort in flattening the COVID‐19 curve. Through this partnership, we can play a small yet meaningful role in safeguarding the well‐being of our frontline warriors, who are risking their lives by putting service before self, day after day.”
Praising the initiative, Sapna Poti, COVID 19 Special Task Force, Principal Scientific Advisor’s Office, GoI said “The Covid‐19 pandemic situation is globally unprecedented. Our healthcare workers, scientists and law enforcement officials are working relentlessly to combat the virus. At this juncture, it is essential that their efforts are supplemented in every way possible. The initiative by IIT Delhi and PNBHFL is of grave importance as availability of sustainable and reusable low‐cost PPE will empower larger number of healthcare workers to fight the disease.”
Discussing the initiative, Professor Bipin Kumar, Department of Textile and Fiber Engineering, IIT Delhi said, “Along with the challenge of meeting PPE demands in the country due to the Covid 19 crisis, another threat looms ahead‐ the disposal of PPEs (including mask and coveralls) after one time use. Though a non‐ woven layer is must for ensuring desired filtration level but the loose fibrous structure in locally available PPE make the product disposable after one time use. Disposing off synthetic polypropylene non‐woven PPE can result in serious environmental consequences. Finding other textile solutions that offers reusability, biodegradability, affordability and scalability for PPEs is truly the need of hour as it serves the dual purpose of supporting healthcare workers and protecting our environment.”
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