Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) has begun working on the development of a new, reusable 3D-printed mask with Professor Hori Katsutoshi of the Graduate School of Engineering at Nagoya University and Friend Microbe Inc., a spinoff venture from Nagoya University. 3D printing is being seen as a promising avenue for rapidly manufacturing essential in-demand supplies combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Design that Matters and Materialise have created 3D-printed mask designs, and Dow has developed an open-source design for face shields. Mitsui is also contributing materials for another crucial PPE supply — isolation gowns.
A prototype of the new 3D-printed mask (Source: Mitsui Chemicals)
The new mask’s key feature is the fact that it not only filters out viral particles but also can be reused. The mask consists of a reusable body and a disposable filter. Mitsui Chemicals will provide the nonwoven disposable filter, which removes viral particles. Professor Hori has produced the mask body using a 3D printer and is investigating enzyme preparations and various other antiviral agents that could be applied to it. Plans are to produce a mask with consideration of design and comfort while also ensuring that it provides outstanding protection against viruses.
In working together with a university, a university startup and a materials manufacturer, Mitsui Chemicals aims to offer socially beneficial solutions and tie this into the development of novel products that will help shape the next generation.
The nonwoven fabric is produced at Mitsui Chemicals’ plants in Nagoya and Yokkaichi. Wholly owned subsidiary Sunrex Industry Co., Ltd. is meeting strong demand from existing customers thanks to expanded production facilities for the meltblown nonwovens used in masks, which went online in January 2020.