CASE

Strings of disposable face masks

Strings of disposable face masks

Extendable but shred-resistant
Put it on, and it gradually fits in reaction to the body's temperature
The comfortable mask is suitable for long-term wear

Issues with current materials

  • A regular disposable face mask is made with fibers which are made through the woolly processing of materials such as nylon and polyester. After long use, it may feel oppressive and painful to the ears depending on the hardness of the material.
  • People with congenital conditions such as microtia typically find it difficult to wear strings over their ears and situations where they have to wear a face mask are difficult for them.
  • Worse, ?there are technical problems with simply using a soft rubber material ? even if it makes the string more stretchable, the tighter fit to the ear results in poor comfort when wearing a mask.

Approach

  • ABSORTOMER™characteristically softens when exposed to the body's temperature. Using ABSORTOMER™ for strings over the ear that touch the ear may soften and make the mask easier to wear than existing masks.
  • Since ABSORTOMER™'s property of softening when exposed to the body's temperature continues after being strung over the ear, we may be able to develop a comfortable face mask that continues to fit the ear softly and nicely even after being used for a long period of time.

Successfully resolved issues

Improved long-term fit
ABSORTOMER™’s property of softening when it contacts the body's temperature is maintained when strung over the ear. Consequently, it is groundbreaking mask string that is free from ear ache even during and after long-term use.
The ultra-fine string looks very light
Use of a single ABSORTOMER™ string, not a fiber-like string, makes the product look thinner and feel lighter when it is worn. Consequently, the product drew attention for its uniqueness.
Application in the development of other uses
The successful use of ABSORTOMER™ to make ultra-fine string led to the development of applications for the material, in a range of intermediate materials, for mask strings and other items that require an ability to sense body temperature.

Voice of a Development staff member

LEC,Inc.
LEC,Inc.
Q1.What is your first impression of ABSORTOMER™?
＿The first time I saw it, it was in a 5-millimeter-thick sheet form. Stretching it and putting it down, it slowly returned to its original shape like a creature. I was amazed by it.
Q2.Why did you decide to try to apply the material in the manufacturing of face masks?
＿ I associated words like stress relaxation and stress absorption with painless rubber, which led me to try making rubber for a face mask, one of the bigger rubber-related markets.
Q3.What were you excited most about the development of ABSORTOMER™?
＿Of course I got excited when I imagined what the rubber would be like. But we had to overcome the many obstacles to its commercialization. At some points during development, I was excited each time we tried to overcome an obstacle.
Q4.What role does Mitsui Chemicals play in your product development?
＿When developing a product that will be the first of its kind in the world, using a new material matters more than the idea. Mitsui Chemicals assumes this important part.
Q5.What does ABSORTOMER™ mean to you now?
＿Although it is somewhat difficult to use, I see it like a partner that can work amazingly when its advantages are fully demonstrated.

"The intended use is developed based on technology owned by LEC,Inc., and for related applications, the company's permission is required for development within Japan."

For those wishing to make technical proposals
on material combinations, etc.