The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has funded a project that is looking into the ultrastructural and biophysical characterization of commonly used alternative textiles for hazmat suits and face masks.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the DOST Region VI, through the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHRDC), has funded the project, which is led by Patrick John B. Jalandoni from The Medical City Iloilo.
He said the study, which started on Jan. 4, 2021, got an approved funding amounting to P351,000.
“The study aims to describe and compare the fabrics used for PPEs (personal protective equipment) through their breathability, filtration capacity, and permeability,”
“Moreover, it also targets to provide local baseline information as to which fabrics will be best suited for the creation of local manufactured PPEs.”
The DOST chief said the project team has collaborated with Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) for the selection and collection of 20 identified fabrics samples to be tested.
“The study will proceed with the tests by using an improvised Henderson Apparatus (IHA) to determine the fabrics’ permeability and breathability,” he said.
De la Peña said the fabric samples were sent to the University of the Philippines Visayas – Regional Research Center for morphological analysis.
“The results of the study will allow the public to be more guided as to which fabric material they should look for when buying PPEs as well as help the community in mitigating and controlling not just COVID-19 but also the spread of communicable diseases,” he said.