Research team at UAE’s Khalifa University manufacture reusable 3D-printed facemasks

Researchers at UAE’s Khalifa University of Science and Technology have developed a reusable 3D printed mask which can be used as a replacement for the N95 masks.

The mask was developed by a team within the university’s Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) who are currently evaluating the mask’s filtration performance, geometry/fit, flexibility, material suitability for medical applications, and manufacturability, reported news agency WAM.

A prototype has been printed and once completed, an assessment will be performed before it receives the necessary approvals.

N95 respirators and surgical masks (face masks) are vital pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that protect the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminants.

“Community-relevant research has always remained a key pillar of our strategy and we are keen to offer our resources to support R&D in this area, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The current situation is unprecedented in history, and has created challenges that require smart scientific solutions through innovation. We believe through the research work at ARIC, we would be able to offer a suitable solution to tackle the challenges posed by the pandemic and protect our frontline defence with this mask,” said Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

Read: UAE’s Mubadala Healthcare and NYUAD to jointly produce 3D-printed medical masks

In May, in a similar initiative in the country, Mubadala Healthcare teamed up with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) to undertake 3D printing of masks.

These 3D-printed masks, similar to the top-rated N95 mask, but are reusable and with replaceable filters.