CSIRO has developed a new air filtration technology from wool textile, said to be suitable for respirators in the personal protective equipment (PPE) market.
The development was a result of the collaboration between the CSIRO, Australian Wool Innovation and Michell. The filters consist of a combination of wool and synthetic fibres.
According to the developers, independent tests indicate the new filters outperform those made from 100% synthetic fibres.
The key to the filtration performance is in the application of an electrostatic charge to the fibres during manufacture. The charges attract dust and pollutant particles to retain them within the filter.
Wool exporter Michell says it has secured a commercial commitment from a major personal respirator manufacturer, and over 500,000 of the new personal respirators and refill cartridges will be produced and distributed in Australia in 2009.
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