Directa Plus has received a grant for its face masks as part of the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
The Company said that the grant has a total value of â¬100,000, on a non-refundable basis, and covers a project which is expected to be concluded within the next 8 months. As part of the Inno4Cov-19 Project, the grant will be used to assist Directa's research into using graphene technology to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Company noted that the main technical targets of the projects are to undertake the extensive testing and improvement needed to qualify and market G+ enhanced surgical masks, the development of new biodegradable G+ enhanced filters and of a sanification process for the face-mask using household items such as an iron or a hairdryer.
"We are very proud of Directa's contributions so far to the fight against COVID-19. In conjunction with our research partners we have proven that graphene-enhanced materials can hinder the spread of Covid more effectively than other fabrics, said Directa Plus chief executive Giulio Cesareo in a statement.
"This grant will allow us to invest further and faster in improving the properties of our face-masks, allow us to supply them into clinical settings, and improve the environmental sustainability of their production."