Photo: the paper.cn

Shanghai is expected to make a breakthrough in coping with the COVID-19 outbreak after innovating recyclable civilian KN95 masks using new nano-materials, which are now in the mass production stage of 300,000 pieces per week, according to Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization recently. 

The newly innovated mask is made of cotton to secure a high permeability, and its inner layer has been embedded with a nanofilament microporous membrane, which can filter fine particles with a diameter of 75 nanometers with a filtration performance of more than 95 percent, to exactly block the 100-nanometer-diametered novel coronavirus. 

Besides, its filtration performance remains stable after 20 disinfection treatments. Three disinfection methods are recommended for citizens including spraying with 3ml medical alcohol, a15-minute soak in hot water and 20-minute immersion in liquid diluted with 84 disinfectant. 

Moreover, the new mask is long-lasting and cost-effective. With its filtration performance lasting 200 hour and a price of $2 to $3, it could save lots of resources and greatly decrease waste pollution. At the same time, it could dramatically relieve the shortage of masks and help promote the work resumption by providing enough protection in the epidemic. 

(Compiled by Shan Xin)