Monthly Archives: May 2020
05
IIT-Madras startup creating textile with antimicrobial material to tackle coronavirus
The coated textiles can be primarily used to manufacture N95 masks, surgical masks, PPE and food packaging bags, among others, with inherent properties of inactivating the virus.
Chennai :
An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras-incubated startup Muse Wearables is developing novel and scalable methods for coating textiles with nanoparticles-based antimicrobial agents that can inactivate the human coronavirus on contact, the Institute said on Monday.
These coatings are expected to be effective up to 60 wash cycles, thereby making the textiles re-usable.
The coated textiles can be primarily used to manufacture N95 masks, surgical masks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and food packaging bags, among others, with inherent properties of inactivating the virus.
According to the Institute, Muse Wearables’ current pilot machine can coat textiles of length up to 100 metres within a few minutes, thereby making it a viable commercial solution that can be deployed immediately.
Muse Wearables was incubated by IIT Madras Incubation Cell.
“They have quickly mobilised and repurposed their offerings in response to the situation and are striving to make a positive contribution to the nation’s anti-virus efforts,” Dr Tamaswati Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer, IIT Madras Incubation Cell, said in a statement.
Some highlights of these nano-particles coated textiles include, anti-microbial properties — it continuously captures and destroys viruses and other microbes upon contact. Other viruses are as small as 30 nanometres can also be inactivated permanently.
It does not leach while washing in water and is environment-friendly. At present, the particles can be coated on materials like cotton, polyester and cotton – polyester. More fabrics will be tested soon.
It is non-toxic and therefore can be safely used for making masks and other PPEs, the Insititute.
Currently, the startup is assembling the coating machine and will shortly commence coating various textiles with different nanoparticle solutions.
Their coated textiles are expected to be ready for testing by the first week of May 2020. The start-up is also partnering with a mask manufacturing company to launch five-layered Antiviral N95 Masks at an estimated price of Rs 300 per piece.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by IANS / May 04th, 2020
IIT-M professor Pradeep wins Nikkei Asia Prize
Pradeep was recently conferred with Padma Shri by the country.
Chennai :
IIT-Madras professor T Pradeep has been honoured with the Nikkei Asia Prizes-2020 in the ‘Science and Technology’ category for his pioneering work on nanotechnology-based water purification, a statement from the institute said.
Pradeep was recently conferred with Padma Shri by the country.
The Nikkei Asia Prizes are conferred on individuals who have contributed to the region’s sustainable development and to creation of a better future in Asia.
The prizes are awarded annually in three categories – economic and business innovation, science and technology, and culture and community.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / May 03rd, 2020
02
Padam Dugar elected as president of CREDAI Chennai Chapter
Mr. Dugar, who is the vice-chairman and managing director of Dugar Housing Limited, took charge on April 1
The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) – Chennai has elected Padam Dugar as its president for the next two years starting April 2020.
Mr. Dugar, who is the vice-chairman and managing director of Dugar Housing Limited, took charge on April 1, 2020. “The foremost priorities this year would be to urge the government to incentivise home buyers by reducing the cost to the customers like reduction in stamp duty and registration charges to below 5% and offer special home loan interests to attract investment post the lockdown,” Mr. Dugar said.
Sivagurunathan, managing director, Asvini Foundations has taken charge as president elect. Mehul H. Doshi, MD of Doshi Housing Private Limited and Mohammed Ali, MD of South India Shelters have been elected as vice-presidents.
The Chennai Chapter of CREDAI has also inducted M. Arumugham, MD of Rajkham builders as the new secretary and Abhishek Mehta, MD of Urban Tree Infrastructure Private Limited as the new treasurer.
The new team leaders said that they would work closely with different government departments to give shape to a robust realty industry in Chennai post the lockdown.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – May 01st, 2020