On May 6, 2020, Punjab National Bank Housing Finance Limited(PNBHFL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Delhi to support the research and development of a unique prototype material to be used in the manufacture of washable and reusable Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) surgical gowns and masks by using Jacquard knitting technology(machine knitting with a jacquard attachment that makes patterns by the use of coloured yarns)
- It is to contribute to the well-being of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Major Highlights
i.By this MoU, the PNBHFL will support the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi in fast-tracked R&D of high-quality PPE material.
ii.The cloth technology developed under this initiative will help in producing affordable, sustainable and reusable PPEs. The prototype will be tested at government-accredited labs & will be supplied to notable government hospitals.
iii.The knit construction for the mask is optimized for a secure 3D-fit around the face with a layer of melt-blown, non-woven material in between to ensure efficient filtration and barrier protection with good breathability.
iv.As for the gown, the fabric and lamination process can be engineered in achieving a stretchable, non-permeable gown adhering to international standards.
Significance of PPE
In managing patients with highly contagious COVID-19, healthcare professionals rely heavily on PPEs to protect themselves or others from being infected or infecting others.
But the lack of PPEs poses a risk of infection for armed doctors, nurses and other frontline workers to the risk of infection while caring for COVID-19 patients.
About PNBHFL:
Headquarters– New Delhi, India
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO)– Neeraj Vyas
About IIT Delhi:
Director– V. Ramgopal Rao
