Innovative metallic coatings for textiles

Research into advanced textiles will soon deliver longer-life antiviral face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) that safeguard against infectious pathogens like COVID-19. 

Advanced textile technology company Xefco and researchers at Deakin University have joined forces on a 10-month, $500,000 project with the support of the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC). 

The project, now in its final stages, has improved the durability of already-developed antiviral and heat-reflective metallic coatings for textiles. 

Tom Hussey, CEO at Xefco and lead of the research collaboration, said the outcomes of the research and development (R&D) were poised to increase the quality and longevity of antiviral masks and other critical PPE manufactured in Australia. 

“By advancing the metallisation technologies, we have created a more durable textile for PPE that can be used over extended periods while providing improved protection against COVID-19 and other viruses,” he said. 

“In addition to increasing the life of the product, our research has generated new possibilities for re-purposing the materials at the end of their life to create a circular supply chain and reduce the consumption of raw materials.”