We list the approved materials for filters for the ADAM model. We continue to develop the model in a multidimensional way with parallel filters for different requirements.
Meltblown
(+) This is the known material used in the traditional masks, in the middle of the sandwiched textile.
(+) High fabrication speed once the industrial production is set up
(-) This is the material everybody in the world wants, and the resources are either running out or are subject to excessive market dynamics.
(-) A lot of western countries don’t have industrial fabrication, so setting up a factory will take from a few months up to even a year.
Why is the Meltblown cassette available in the ADAM model?
A lot of groups, companies and authorities are working hard to get the production up and running in western European countries. Once the availability is high, the mask can be used with the minimum material needed, once you have the basic personalised and reusable facial part. This will be the cheapest of the cassettes.
Electrospinning
(+) Nano spun material is an extremely fine textile. The virus is 0,1 micron and is carried through the air by, for example, a tiny water droplet so the carrier size of the virus is 0,3 micron. This means we need textile that can block this. Nano technology can do this.
(+) We have local research centers that are doing tests. The first production units are set up in Spain and France.
(+) We need less material and smaller filters, so that we can obtain better aesthetics and usability for specific requirements of wearing the mask all day and performing highly detailed and focused handling.
(-) Electrospinning is slow and experimental for the moment.
(-) This material cannot be used on its own, so you need another textile to carry it. This makes the production chain longer.
Why is electrospinning a possible filter in the ADAM model?
We believe we need a long-term solution that can be produced locally. This high-end, fine material has a lot of advantages in wearability, but it will come with a higher price.
Badly designed Chinese masks
(+) There are a lot of them. They are designed for Asian faces and do not fit the Caucasian face. But if the material itself has been proven to be good, why not reuse it in the filter?
(+) We can make 2 filters from 1 mask
(-) The batch has been confiscated, so the government would have to approve and deliver it.
(-) Limited resources
Why would we reuse badly designed masks in the ADAM model?
Because in times of scarcity of resources, we cannot waste any material that can be used to protect people from the virus.
HEPA Merv13
(+) Available because it is used in household supplies, such as vacuum cleaner filters. (not all of them! But hyper allergic higher protection filters, marked as merv13).
(+) Tested to protect against 0,3 micron.
(-) Big, so a big cassette is needed, which can hinder the user.
(-) Price varies a lot.
Why would ADAM uses a HEPA cassette? Logistics can be set up relatively quick. So this model could possibly be the fastest to be delivered.