PPE coverall by IIT Delhi to prevent COVID-19
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Coverall (Integrated Body Suit and Shoe Cover) is developed by the IIT Delhi’s Department of Textile and Fiber Engineering to protect doctors, nurses, paramedical personnel and others from COVID-19 infection. Scientists at IIT Delhi have been actively associated with the development of high-functional as well as specialty fabric products and have effectively commercialized different products previously.
All the requirements specified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is met by this advanced version of PPE coverall. The PPE overall was developed by Dr. S.M. Ishtiaque, Professor Emeritus, Department of Textile and Fiber Engineering, IIT Delhi, and his student, Dr. Biswa Ranjan Das, Scientist ‘D’ as well as Assistant Director, Defence Material and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Kanpur.
To maintain the weight of PPE coverall lighter a special coating has been applied over light and compact polyester weaved fabric. This PPE overall is found to be reliable for full protection against the penetration of
coronavirus. It has excellent antibacterial properties that are not typically found in most of the PPE coveralls available in the market.The coverall has a special-grade polyurethane finish that provides a really smooth surface feel and sufficient clothing breathability and full comfort to the individual. The external part of the coverall shows great water as well as oil repellency, which can make the virus over the coverall roll off effortlessly. It can be recycled3 times, therefore, compared to other PPE’s reliable expense is very low. To fit all the range of users, this coverall is available in 4 different sizes (both Bodysuit- S, M, L and XL, and Shoe Cover – 1, 2, 3, and 4) in contrast to Universal/Limited size in the commercially available coverall. To manufacture 1,20,000 coveralls per month, the scientists have collaborated with G. D. International company.
Dr. S.M. Ishtiaque, Professor Emeritus, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi said, “The advanced variation of PPE coverall that we have established is set to become an improvisated item in the nation as well as international markets, presenting several unique practical features and satisfying the demands for added convenience. The major challenge was breathability and feel of the coverall and we have ensured we reach appropriate levels of breathability and a softer feel, to sustain extended wearability”.
The ongoing pandemic – COVID-19, is spreading across the globe and has 50,00,561 confirmed cases and resulted in the death of 3,28,172 people around the globe as of now.
Author: Sruthi S
