Florida based Ascend Performance Materials LLC has developed a new mask technology that shields against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
The Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask is a reusable general-purpose mask that incorporates powerful built-in antimicrobial technology to protect the mask from odor-causing bacteria and mold fungi in a soft, breathable, comfortable fabric that is gentle on the skin.
The mask is the initial development in a series of planned Acteev product starters that will include a knit fabric mask and a sports gaiter.
Ascend Performance also proclaimed it is designing an N95 respirator and a line of surgical masks and is developing more engineering plastics solutions for high-touch surfaces such as light switches and tray tables; textiles for use in scrubs and hospital gowns; and nonwoven fibers and rolled goods for use in applications such as filtration systems.
Ascend will manufacture masks at the company’s North Escambia facility on Old Chemstrand Road.
Ascend Performance Materials produces high-performance materials for everyday essentials and new technologies. Its focus is on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation.
The mask is the first in a series of planned Acteev product introductions that will include a knit fabric mask and a sports gaiter. The company also announced it is designing an N95 respirator and a line of surgical masks and is developing more engineering plastics solutions for high-touch surfaces such as light switches and tray tables; textiles for use in scrubs and hospital gowns; and nonwoven fibers and rolled goods for use in applications such as filtration systems.
The inclusion ofmasks is a natural extension for Ascend, which is the largest producer of nylon 6,6 resin in the world, said Lu Zhang, Ph.D., who joined Ascend earlier this year as Vice President and leader of the Acteev business.
“The nylon Ascend makes is durable enough to be used under the hood of a car, but when it’s spun into fibers, it can be woven or knitted into fabrics that are soft and silky,” she said.
“Combined with our antimicrobial Acteev technology, our fabric makes an Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask more breathable, more comfortable and more wearable than anything else we’ve encountered in the market.”
The Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask is an ideal choice for anyone seeking better protection, comfort and breathability than a typical blue mask and better availability than an N95 respirator, which are reserved for health care workers, Zhang said.
