Ramona Lile “We are still involved in the fight against COVID19”

New materials for medical protective overalls are tested by local medical staff members. AVU`s Faculty of Engineering staff members together with researchers from the Institute of Research-Development-Innovation in Technical and Natural Sciences have been selected by Robert Kaminszky, director of the Silvania Worsted Spinning (member of the Sudwolle Group) and by MD. Dana Olar, Chief of the Pulmonology Department within Arad County Hospital to test and manufacture new materials designed to offer increased comfort and protection for medical staff members.

“It is an important project for our university, since Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad remains steadfast in the fight against COVID 19 and continues to provide help where needed. We are both actively involved and prompt in welcoming requests from the economic and medical environments, offering our expertise to those involved in this fight” declared AVU`s Rector, Prof. PhD. Ramona Lile.

During a first stage, between June-August, AVU manufactured reusable single layer face masks from wool and chemically derived fibers. These have been tested by more than 300 volunteers, over 95% of them testifying to the fact that the masks have been comfortable to wear and responded well to repeated washing cycles.

“The second stage focuses research on reusable two-layer face masks as well as coveralls made from knitted fabrics with Nm 60 threads (95% wool and 5% silk)” added Prof. PhD. Ionel Barbu, from AVU`s Faculty of Engineering.

These overalls shall be worn under the protective medical equipment for an improved comfort in body heat regulation and skin level humidity management. After several days of actual testing an online questionnaire shall asses registered satisfaction levels with these highly efficient, especially for the autumn-winter period, materials.

“We wish to thank our partners for this collaboration; next, in collaboration with Silvania Worsted Spinning, we aim to disseminate research results in specialty journals and conferences related to Textile Engineering” added AVU Vice-Rector, Prof. PhD. Alexandru Popa.