NatureWorks and Nonwovens Institute join forces in the fight against Covid-19

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University has converted its pilot production line normally used for research and training to produce 10 million reusable N95 protective masks.

Its partner in the operation is NatureWorks, a Minnesota-based company specialising in bioplastics which has donated PLA (polylactic acid) based Ingeo polymer.

The version developed by the two partners is a two-component non-woven fabric which combines polypropylene fibres and PLA, a biodegradable and compostable polymer of plant origin.

Because the filtering layer is not electrostatically charged, the mask can be reused several times after being cleaned with peroxide or an alcohol solution. It is estimated that the line will allow for the production of about 2 million masks per week.

To ensure the necessary supplies, North Carolina state has ordered new machines for installation on campus, which should arrive in May.

Image credits: NatureWorks via Facebook