ExxonMobil and the Global Center for Medical Innovation (GCMI) today said they have initiated multi-sector and joint development projects to rapidly redesign and manufacture reusable personal protection equipment for healthcare workers, such as face shields and masks, which are in short supply as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
In response to the unprecedented challenges from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, ExxonMobil is applying its deep knowledge and experience with polymer-based technologies in combination with GCMI to facilitate development and expedite third-party production of innovative safety equipment that can be sterilised and worn multiple times.
A new industrial-style mask is being fast-tracked for production. The design improves coverage of a healthcare worker’s nose and mouth and will use a replaceable cartridge system that includes a filtration fabric to prevent contact spread of the virus from the saturated filter.
In this design, the filters are disposable while the main component of the mask can withstand repeated sterilisation, thus prolonging the lifecycle of the product and addressing shortages of N95 masks.
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