This is how the Actifiber project emerged, as a result of the partnership established between the above-mentioned entities. Briefly, this project proposed the development of a level II protection mask, able to withstand up to 50-60 wash cycles. In addition to its widespread reuse, this developed mask sought to fill a major gap in the PPE market: comfort. In this context, the ergonomic proposal allows its user to use the protection piece for eight hours straight, due to its capacity to release moisture 45% higher than conventional social masks.

To do this, it was necessary to study the principles of barrier effect, filtration, particle retention, and wearing comfort, which made it possible to combine a three-dimensional structure with an advanced planar fibrous structure and a jersey mesh, with reduced friction, as well as the use of an advanced planar structure and a jersey mesh, also with reduced friction, which has enabled better breathability management and comfort to the touch, and a certified protective capacity for social masking, respectively.

Finally, after tests, it was possible to verify that, after 50 washes, the developed mask kept a bacterial filtration efficiency higher than 90% and, by applying bio-inspiration to the product design concepts, it was also possible to make this mask adjustable, flexible and versatile, at an attractive cost for the consumer. 

Figure 1 - Social mask developed by Fibrenamics and LMA.