Directa Plus recently stated that a research paper has been published in the journal iScience, supporting the use of its ‘functionalized’ graphene as an antimicrobial material in face masks.

The peer-reviewed paper said the company's G+ nanomaterials and those from graphene oxide provide a critical opportunity to significantly increase face mask efficacy.

A leading Korean fiber producer called Huvis has reportedly begun to mass-produce graphene fibers.

The Company said that since graphene has such poor dispersibility, synthesis with PET (polyester) polymer is not considered easy. As a result, according to Huvis, most of the graphene fibers developed so far have either substandard graphene content, or the fiber is coated with a graphene material - which Huvis says makes them inferior (and is the reason that the graphene fibers available in the market are black or gray).

High-performance clothing brand 878 developed a new smart sailing jacket, called Project One. The jacket utilizes graphene-enhanced materials to enable high flexibility and weatherproofing while still being extremely lightweight.

The jacket also features a small flexible E Ink display produced by Plastic Logic. The display is connected to your boat's systems via Bluetooth to show navigational and other kinds of information.

Researchers from Zhejiang University, Xi'an Jiaotong University and Monash University have developed a way to bind multiple strands of graphene oxide together, creating a process that could prove useful in manufacturing complex architectures.

Reversible fusion and fission of GO fibers. Credit: Science

In recent years, materials scientists have been exploring the possibility of making products using total or partial self-assembly as a way to produce them faster or at less cost. In biological systems where two materials self-assemble into a third material, scientists describe this as a fusion process. Accordingly, when a single material spontaneously separates into two or more other materials, they refer to it as a fission process. In this new work, the researchers have developed a technique for creating graphene-oxide-based yarn that exploits both processes.

Haydale has announced that it has partnered with U.S-based 401 Tech Bridge to provide a HT200 Plasma Reactor and advanced materials support for their innovation ecosystem.

The HT200 Plasma Reactor will be utilized in the 401 Tech Bridge Advanced Materials and Technology Center, managed by the University of Rhode Island (URI), to support material commercialization efforts of Graphene Composites and other local composites and textiles-based businesses. This adds to 401 Tech Bridge's capability supporting its ambition to accelerate the adoption of new materials and support companies' efforts in developing new products.

Directa Plus has announced it has received positive test results confirming that its graphene nanoplatelets are not absorbed through human skin. The Company said this was the eighth in vitro test to show that there is no absorption potential for the Pure G+ powder.

The study was carried out by an independent third party and followed international standards, using human skin reconstructed in the lab. Directa Plus said successful results from in vitro tests of its hypoallergenic, non-toxic products are vital for their use in textile markets, where customers have to be certain of the safety of the apparel they produce and market.

A research team from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has announced the production of graphene masks with a reported anti-bacterial efficiency of 80%, which can be enhanced to almost 100% with exposure to sunlight for around 10 minutes.

CityU's graphene-enhanced masks. Credit: City University of Hong Kong

Initial tests also showed very promising results in the deactivation of two species of coronaviruses. The graphene masks are reportedly easily produced at a low cost, and can help to resolve the problems of sourcing raw materials and disposing of non-biodegradable masks.

ZEN Graphene Solutions has announced it has commenced collaborations with research teams at a number of personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers to incorporate ZEN’s virucidal graphene ink into commercial products, including masks, gloves, gowns and other clothing following Zen’s promising results for an antiviral, graphene-based ink formulation from The University of Western Ontario’s ImPaKT Facility, biosafety Level 3 lab.

The company continues to optimize its proprietary formulation for dosage and delivery mechanism for highest antiviral impact. The next phase of testing is currently underway at the ImPaKT Facility and includes a preferred mask fabric coated in ZEN’s virucidal ink exposed to and tested against the COVID-19 virus.

Directa Plus has announced that its G+ graphene-enhanced facemasks, Co-mask, are now available for retail sale at a new, dedicated website.

Since the dangers of COVID-19 first started to become apparent, Directa Plus has been determined to help with the fight against the disease, and to use the unique properties of graphene and the strength of Directa Plus’s IP portfolio to enhance personal protective equipment. The company redirected effort and resources in its Advanced Development Area, R&D facility, to achieve this, Directa Plus said in a statement.

New research at the University of Manchester's National Graphene Institute focuses on graphene-enhanced smart adaptive clothing which can lower the body temperature of the wearer in hot climates.

The team of scientists has created a prototype garment to demonstrate dynamic thermal radiation control within a piece of clothing by utilizing the remarkable thermal properties and flexibility of graphene. The development also opens the door to new applications such as, interactive infrared displays and covert infrared communication on textiles.