Antimicrobial Coatings are Part of the COVID Solution

Surgical Masks Now Being Made in Northern California

Top Polymer Adding Research Center in Georgia

Curt G. Joa Sells Face Mask Lines Worldwide

Henkel Supplies Laminating Adhesives for JOA Machines

Avery Dennison Teams with Global Safety First for Self-Adhesive N95 Masks

ASTM PPP Webinar Abstracts and Presentations Now Available

Henkel Supplies Adhesives for Face Masks

Andritz Supplies Lines for Surgical and Respirator Masks

Fameccanica Supplies Automated Mask Lines for Luxottica in Italy

Black & Veatch Supporting Suppliers with COVID Solutions

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Antimicrobial Coatings are Part of the COVID Solution

 “COVID-19 has driven substantial interest in antimicrobial coatings this year and is proving to be a catalyst for antimicrobial research and funding,” says Tiffany Hua, Research Associate at Lux Research. “We expect this interest to spike even further before the end of 2020 and be a trend of continued interest in the materials and coatings industry.” Major manufacturers like Ford Motor Company are talking about incorporating these types of coatings into their products, while startups like HeiQ bring out new antimicrobial coatings for applications like textiles.

However, not all antimicrobial coatings are created equal – some are only effective against bacteria and not necessarily viruses, so users need to choose carefully. “When considering the wide range of solutions used as preventive measures against COVID-19, it is important to understand the limitations of these technologies,” explains Hua. “Metallic antimicrobial agents like silver and copper can be effective against both bacteria and viruses but ensuring their effectiveness when dispersed in coating matrices still poses challenges.” Other solutions like photocatalytic, enzyme-based, and bio-based coatings have also been shown to be effective against bacteria and viruses.

Light-activated, photocatalytic coatings are on the rise, thanks to their self-cleaning functionality and effectiveness against viruses. These coatings use materials like nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) that absorb UV light and produce reactive radicals that break down organic compounds and pollutants on surfaces. “Photocatalytic coating developers have historically targeted the elimination of pollution and smog, but COVID-19 has driven more use in antimicrobial applications, as they can be effective against both bacteria and viruses,” Hua notes.

Bio-based antimicrobial technologies are also gaining attention, utilizing natural extracts and bio-based solutions to impart antimicrobial properties. Food packaging currently consumes the majority of bio-based antimicrobial technologies, but they could expand to other sectors as innovation continues to increase. Antimicrobial enzymes are another option, as some can also produce reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria under light and can produce longer-lasting antimicrobial coatings.

Antimicrobial coatings are still far from perfect, as efficacy and durability are still major challenges. “These technologies lack certainty and documentation around performance while still struggling to prove that their incorporation leads to better health outcomes,” furthers Hua. “Regulatory approval is another challenge, as new disinfectant and antimicrobial solutions must have EPA and FDA approval to make effectiveness claims. There are also health and environmental concerns that need to be addressed and have increased regulation and oversight. With a surge in research and funding, there will be less concern over performance and regulation.”

Lux Research expects major growth of antimicrobial coatings within the transportation and medical industries, as well as deployment in public spaces. Over the next two years, more opportunities will emerge within apparel, food, and packaging applications, while in the longer term, automotive OEMs and other consumer product companies will adopt them.

 

Surgical Masks Now Being Made in Northern California

A  Northern California-based startup is now in the mask making business, producing non-medical, three-ply nonwoven face masks. Salus Supply, a veteran-owned company, and the first and only nonwoven mask manufacturer on the West Coast, guarantees low prices and same-day shipping.

"We bought a machine so that we could make masks in America, put local people to work and help to re-establish a critically important supply chain for personal protective equipment (PPE)," says Tovey Giezentanner, owner and founder of Salus Supply.

Salus masks are made from three layers of lightweight, breathable nonwoven material, including a middle layer of meltblown fabric Giezentanner, along with two investors, took to the internet to buy a mask-making machine in March 2020. After finding a company based in China with a facility in California that made and sold mask making machines, Giezentanner secured a warehouse and ordered a machine and the necessary materials to start make the masks.

"Unfortunately, no one in America builds mask-making machines. Likewise, securing the nonwoven fabrics to make masks in America is almost impossible," Giezentanner continues. "For the past 25 years, it's been cheaper to import masks from China or other far east countries and as a result the PPE supply chain disappeared."

In July, Giezentanner hired a San Francisco-based electrician to help communicate in Chinese and calibrate his new machine. By late-August, the mask materials arrived, and Salus Supply was in business. The mask machine can produce up to 40,000 masks a day and 1 million masks per month.

"We're thrilled to be part of a national effort to re-establish the PPE supply chain in America," Giezentanner continues. "It's also been extremely rewarding to create local jobs, start a California-based supply chain in my hometown and make something positive happen in 2020."Salus sells boxes of 50 masks or cases of 2000. 

Salus non-medical, source control face masks are authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization for use as source control by members of the general public as well as health care professionals in healthcare settings to help prevent the spread of infection or illness during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Top Polymer Adding Research Center in Georgia

Top Polymer in Social Circle, GA has a state-of-the-art Production/Research Center. The company makes meltblowns for masks and filters.

Established in 2004, Top Polymer is dedicated to the development and manufacture of innovative, high-quality thermoplastics. Two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are located  in Guangdong and Jiangsu, China where we continually research and expand our product line capabilities. Our products are used in medical, textile and industrial markets as well as transportation, consumer, electrical & electronics, building & construction, and packaging.

Top Polymer Enterprise created 70 jobs and invested $15 million in the new manufacturing facility in Social Circle, GA. The Walton County plant is the Chinese thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) manufacturer’s first facility in the U.S. The first phase of the facility is approximately 60,000 square feet with three compounding lines.

“This is an exceptional time for Top Polymer Enterprise and we are extremely excited to be part of the Social Circle community,” said Marcus Tsong, president of Top Polymer Holding Company. “We see our Social Circle facility as being the first key step to becoming an internationally recognized manufacturer and supplier of premier TPE system.”

Top Polymer exports to more than 30 countries and regions from the  two production bases in China, located in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province and Liyang City, Jiangsu Province.

 

Curt G. Joa Sells Face Mask Lines Worldwide

Curt G. Joa, Inc. has been an active member in the nonwovens industry for nearly 90 years as a successful machine manufacturer for baby/adult diapers and pants, adult incontinent pads, feminine napkins, face masks, medical gowns, caps, and numerous specialty products. With headquarters in Sheboygan Falls, USA, the Curt G. Joa, Inc. company remains a 4th-generation, family-owned company. 

Recently the company, announced the opening of JOA East Asia in Japan. JOA East Asia will be led by Mr. Shinji (Rich) Yamaguchi, who has been active in the international hygiene industry for over 30 years. Mr. Yamaguchi’s role is to provide the East Asian converters a new perspective on product features, converting lines, and upgrade kits offered by Curt G. Joa, Inc. 

As a complete partner to the industry, JOA East Asia will offer additional services such as engineering coordination, installation supervision, and service support. The team at the headquarters of Curt G. Joa, Inc. will support JOA East Asia with the appropriate level of engineering consultation, manufacturing, spare parts, and service.

“The addition of Mr. Yamaguchi allows us to offer the level of local support being asked for by converters in East Asia.  It also provides the converting base in East Asia the increased access to JOA’s proven process technologies, which has been developed for North American and European customers, and custom-engineered solutions,“ said Mr. Rick Michaletz, President of Curt G. Joa, Inc. at a recent company-wide meeting.

Located in Mayen, Germany, the JOA European Technology Team serves customers in the European Region. The JOA European Technology Team supports both JOA and BIKOMA machines and future projects from its Mayen location for the European market. The highly-skilled team consists of:

·         Process Technicians 

·         Mechanical Engineers

·         Electrical Engineers 

·         Part Sales

·         Project Managers

Features of the pleated mask line

·         The pleated face mask produced on the standard JOA machine consists of an outer nonwoven layer, an inner nonwoven layer, two filtration layers, and two elastic head straps.

·         Four layers are combined together, ultrasonically bonded, and trimmed on the edges for a clean design.

·         The filtration region of the mask is pleated and ultrasonically bonded together.

·         A nose conforming strip is located between the mask layers for a custom fit.

The fully automated mask machine can produce 500 pleated face masks per minute. The pleated JOA® face mask, with elastic head strap, is a unique patent-pending design produced in line. The head strap utilizes standard nonwovens and elastic strands for a comfortable fit. The JOA® head straps are ultrasonically bonded to the filtration region.

The standard JOA® machine accepts rolls up to 60” diameter with automatic roll splicing allowing continuous operation.

The machine can be configured for bulk packaging, or direct interface to automated stackers/baggers or carton fillers.

 Bonding Capabilities:

·          Construction of the entire mask can be accomplished with no adhesives.

·          An optional ultrasonic bonder can be added to produce completely adhesive-free head straps.

 

Henkel Supplies Laminating Adhesives for JOA Machines

At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, a major global retailer contacted Curt G. Joa, Inc. about adapting a diaper-making machine to produce face masks — an application that would require hot melt adhesives. With their long history of collaboration, JOA turned to Henkel.

We’ve been working with JOA for decades, and we have a very positive relationship,” says Raza Hayder, Senior Key Account Manager, Packaging, Consumer Goods and Construction. “We were delighted that JOA called us when they faced a critical need for adhesives.”

With its extensive experience supporting the medical sector,  Henkel expeditiously identified two products that would provide the perfect solution - Henkel’s TECHNOMELT^® laminating adhesive would be used to bond layers of fabric used in the face masks, and a TECHNOMELT^® elastic adhesive would attach the nose clip.

Full-scale production of face masks began in mid-May, overall increasing the nation’s production capacity of critical supplies needed to defeat the pandemic.

 

Avery Dennison Teams with Global Safety First for Self-Adhesive N95 Masks

Avery Dennison recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with Global Safety First, LLC (GSF) to produce and distribute a self-adhesive, NIOSH-certified N95 mask as part of the company’s efforts to provide innovative personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The N95 mask is a standard of safety in the healthcare setting and vitally important to protecting healthcare workers and patients.

GSF’s ReadiMask® N95 face masks are made with electrostatic charged media that make them more breathable. They adhere gently to the face with double-coated, skin-friendly adhesive.

“According to Avery Dennison, the ReadiMask can form an air-tight seal to provide maximum protection while allowing filtration during inhalation and exhalation. The mask is virtually weightless, convenient, and easy to use. The design eliminates tight straps or ties that put pressure on the face or get caught in hair. In addition, the ReadiMask has no uncomfortable metal nose clip that can cause skin bruising. The ReadiMask was designed with a low breathing resistance and may provide a cooler temperature than similar masks.

“‘Our partnership with Global Safety First allows us to bring some much needed safety and comfort to frontline healthcare workers who rely on N95 masks every day for protection,’ said Kirsten Newquist, vice president and general manager of Avery Dennison Medical. ‘GSF’s unique design, along with our medical manufacturing capabilities and expertise in skin contact adhesives, is helping to bring mask innovation to the healthcare market at a time when it is sorely needed.’”

 

ASTM PPP Webinar Abstracts and Presentations Now Available

ASTM recently conducted  the Workshop on Fast-Tracking Standards Development to Address Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Shortages due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The abstracts are accessed at

ASTM PPE Workshop Program Booklet.pdf

In addition you can access most of the workshop's presentations.

ASTM PPE Workshop Presentations.zip 

For more information about ASTM, please visit the website at www.astm.org. 

 

Henkel Supplies Adhesives for Face Masks

Henkel adhesives are used for the lamination of layers and elastic strap fixation. 

The adhesives are also used in Protective apparel to protect health care workers and patients from the transfer of microorganisms and body fluids. The adhesives are used for the lamination of layers and for the adhesive stripes in skin contact.

Henkel adhesive solutions for the personal hygiene industry fulfil high standards of safety and purity. They are producing these adhesives in their ISO 9001 approved factories and are using reliable, validated and tested raw materials which are produced by trusted partners and suppliers. Henkel has a defined a range of products designed for the use in medical protective wear products. These products are already proven successfully in the applications in scope and provide excellent performance and quality, such as stability over time, low chemical odor, low levels of Substances of Interest (SoI) and very favorable processability features.

 

Andritz Supplies Lines for Surgical and Respirator Masks

Following successful launch of the D-TECH line for production of surgical/medical masks in April 2020, machinery specialist Andritz is now presenting its new D-TECH face mask line for respiratory masks, such as duckbill and flat fold respirators.

Andritz offers both surgical and N95 mask lines

The new Andritz D-TECH respiratory mask line can be customized to laminate different layers of fabric, ensuring highest quality and hygiene standards. The line comprises unwinding and guiding units for nonwoven webs, automatic splicing of all raw materials, cutting and positioning devices for the metal nose bar, an edge welding and cutting unit, a 90-degree rotation process, positioning and welding of the ear loop elastics, as well as quality control using the D-TECH Vision System. In addition, a broad selection of options are available for the main line. Machine dimensions can be customized according to customers’ plant requirements. 

Customers benefit from a fully automated production line including complete ultrasonic technology, a facility to include printing systems, and an interface to the automatic packaging machine. Moreover, there are different packaging options available – products can be packaged in bags by an automatic flow pack machine or packed in cardboard boxes by an automatic cartoner.

The respiratory mask ensures a higher level of protection for the wearer as well as his environment due to its particle retention capacity (<0.3 µm) and the higher-quality defined total leakage compared to conventional protective masks. Producers already operating an Andritz D-TECH surgical mask line can upgrade it to produce respiratory masks

The ANDRITZ D-TECH face mask line automatically produces and laminates three or more layers of fabric (spunbond, meltblown, thermo-bonded nonwovens, and others) and comprises unwinding and guiding units for nonwoven webs, cutting and positioning devices for the metal nose clip, an edge welding and cutting unit, a 90° rotation process, and positioning and welding of the ear loop elastics. The line has a speed of 110 m/min and is able to produce up to 750,000 face masks per day. There are also different packaging options available: products can be packed in bags by an automatic flow wrapping machine or in cardboard boxes.

 

Fameccanica Supplies Automated Mask Lines for Luxottica in Italy

Luxottica and Fameccanica (Angelini Group) announced the stable and large-scale start of production of surgical masks and the delivery of the first batch of over 3.5 million devices for the prevention of Covid-19, as part of the internal procurement plan launched in May by the Italian Government and coordinated by the Extraordinary Commissioner for Emergency Domenico Arcuri.

In order to respond adequately and on time to the Government's call, Luxottica has temporarily converted the PalaLuxottica - a center of aggregation and socio-cultural events for the area before the pandemic, close to the group's historic headquarters in Agordo (BL), at the foot of the Dolomites - into a technologically advanced outpost for the production of face masks, for the benefit of the community.

Four special fully automated production lines were installed and started up on the site, designed and built in record time and commissioned by the Government and Commissioner Arcuri from the Italian headquarters of the Fameccanica Group. The machines guarantee the highest production speed on the market today and the necessary flexibility in the use of different material set ups.

The new Luxottica temporary production center will also be in operation at night for the duration of the state of emergency, to guarantee maximum daily production of up to about 3 million face masks. The plant will employ around 100 people in shifts to ensure the correct operation of the processes and the necessary quality control.

The lines will produce face masks entirely designed by the Commissioner's team, already authorized by the Italian National Institute of Health in accordance with the Decree Law of 27 March 2020 and subsequent amendments, with the maximum efficiency made possible by Luxottica structures. The supply of raw materials will be ensured by special supply agreements signed by the Government. On the other hand, Luxottica guarantees, with the technical support of Fameccanica and under the supervision of government structures, maintenance and proper management of the production cycle, and logistics services to deliver finished product batches to the central structures coordinated by the Extraordinary Commissioner.

“The agreement with Luxottica and Fameccanica to make our country increasingly autonomous in the production of surgical masks is a virtuous example of collaboration between private companies and public institutions at such a delicate time in the country’s life," comments the Extraordinary Commissioner for Emergency Covid-19 Domenico Arcuri. "Italy, at the beginning of the pandemic, had almost no production of face masks. Today we are practically self-sufficient. As of Monday we will be the only country in the world to distribute 11 million face masks a day, free of charge, in schools,” 

“Luxottica has been committed since the beginning of the pandemic to protecting the health and safety of its people and communities. In this context, we have joined the request for support from the Italian institutions in charge of coordinating the national response to the emergency. We are proud of the results achieved so far and in particular, our face mask production unit has already been able to deliver the first 3.5 million devices to the Extraordinary Commissioner’s facility. Ours is a small, positive contribution that, put together with the contribution of many others, can make a difference in the recovery of our country,” comments Francesco Milleri, vice president and CEO of Luxottica.

“In Fameccanica we immediately started with the design of these innovative production lines, which were immediately made available to the authorities in charge of the Covid-19 emergency management to allow a greater and faster production of protection devices. The project, strongly desired by our shareholders and made possible thanks to the total devotion of the dedicated team, has involved a great human, industrial and technological commitment. We hope that our contribution will make it easier to return to our work and study places, enabling us to tackle present and future challenges with more resources,” comments Alessandro Bulfon, general manager of Fameccanica.

Black & Veatch Supporting Suppliers with COVID Solutions

One is Aquisense Technologies which is focusing on UV-C LED disinfection, the company’s PearlSurface ultraviolet (UV) mask disinfector was recently recognized in the 3M technical bulletin “Decontamination of 3M Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs), such as N95 Respirators, in the United States.” With the ability to retain the designed filtration and comfort of N95 masks through 20 disinfection cycles, the PearlSurface is an attractive solution for employers of essential workers in constant need of reliable PPE. PearlSurface is currently being used at one Black & Veatch client site.