Rapid Production of Metal Organic Framework - Fabrics for Air Filtration

Project Summary/Abstract: A year and a half later after the pandemic, it is evident that wearing masks for personal and public health concerns is an ongoing matter, with events like the arrival and spread of the Delta and Omicron variants of SARS CoV-2. Although it is well known that the N95 masks are the “golden standard” for protection, the public still overwhelmingly prefers cloth-based masks, due to the uncomfortable feeling and lack of reusability of the N95 mask, and the ease of breathing of the cloth-based masks. ASTM International recently published the ASTM F3502-21 standard, which creates guidelines for the efficacy of “Barrier Face Coverings” that are neither medical masks nor respirators and are primarily directed towards cloth masks. However, there are very few masks that are fabric-based (without extra insert filters) that pass this standard, and none that are washable and reusable. The goal of our company, Hava Technologies, is to create a cloth mask that has the benefits of a traditional cloth mask, such as breathability and washability, while still passing the ASTM-F3502 standard for filtration efficacy. To do this, we utilize a novel technology called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The electrostatic-based filtration of MOFs has shown filtration efficacy approaching and matching the ASTM F3502 Level 1 standard. More interestingly, these MOF-fabrics show effective filtration after 25 wash cycles, showing the capability of these MOF-fabric based masks and filters to be truly washable and reusable for months. The proposal will focus on the following specific aims: 1. Creation of MOF-fabric with uniform ASTM F3502 Level 1 standard and ensuring safety during usage. 2. Washable MOF-fabrics simulating home use conditions, including hot water and detergents. 3. Large area production of MOF-fabrics using standard roll-to-roll coating processing, including a public health survey of attitudes towards mask wearing. Wearers of Hava MOF-coated fabric masks will benefit by breathing air with significantly higher filtration efficiency than uncoated cloth masks. It is reasonable to expect protective masks with increased efficiency in sub-micron filtering capability would reduce transmission of SARS CoV-2 and subsequently reduce COVID-19 incidence with its associated morbidity, mortality, and adverse economic impact. According to a recent market research report, the global mask market is expected to surpass $1.2B in 2020 (Research Drive 2020), showing a viable commercialization strategy for the company.