Physics.org: New material could remove respiratory droplets from air

[SheltieLover]

https://phys.org/news/2021-06-material-respiratory-droplets-air.amp

Although plexiglass barriers are seemingly everywhere these days—between grocery store lanes, around restaurant tables and towering above office cubicles—they are an imperfect solution to blocking virus transmission.

Instead of capturing virus-laden respiratory droplets and aerosols, plexiglass dividers merely deflect droplets, causing them to bounce away but remain in the air. To enhance the function of these protective barriers, Northwestern University researchers have developed a new transparent material that can capture droplets and aerosols, effectively removing them from air.

The material is a clear, viscous liquid that can be painted onto any surface, including plastic, glass, wood, metal, stainless steel, concrete and textiles. When droplets collide with the coated surface, they stick to it, get absorbed and dry up. The coating also is compatible with antiviral and antimicrobial materials, so sanitizing agents, such as copper, could be added to the formula.

More at link. Gooooo NW!

[I_UndergroundPanther]

1. Cool,cool,cool

Wonderful!

Wonder if they could paint this on masks?

It can go on textiles..

[SheltieLover]

2. Awesome, isn't it?

Great thought on masks!]

[Laffy Kat]

3. This is huge!

Nobel Prize Chemistry?

[SheltieLover]

6. Hoping so!

[patphil]

4. That's a great invention.

I imagine they'll find dozens of uses for it besides capturing virus-laden droplets.

[SheltieLover]

7. Maybe so!

[speak easy]

9. And I have some ideas about what to do with the virus laden droplets.

[SheltieLover]

10. Muahaha!

[lagomorph777]

5. Snot to capture snot.

Disgusting? No, it's snot!

[SheltieLover]

8. Lol

[lark]

11. I love science and would love for this to work as specified.

Wouldn't that be soooo awesome!