Scientists have created new protective masks, which have a water-repellent effect, thanks to a special treatment.
Scientists at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology have developed a technology that makes the mask water-repellent. This makes the mask more effective in preventing the spread of disease, according to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Using plasma etching technique, the researchers created micro channels on the surface of the mask, which are unable to retain water, so the mask actually becomes water repellent. Scientists also demonstrated that the grooves repelled microdroplets, which often carry viruses.
Scientists now plan to apply the new technology to commercially sold N95 masks, which lose their effectiveness after a few hours due to the accumulation of moisture from human breathing.