HKUST researchers develop transparent mask to aid hearing-impaired
Channel: 中国新闻社
Date: 2020-12-29

(ECNS) -- Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed the world's strongest polymer nanomembrane.
        It can be used to make transparent masks whose filtration performance is better than N95 masks.
        The face mask has three properties. It is transparent, highly permeable, and most importantly, features a high filtration quality, said Gao Ping, a professor of Chemistry and Biological Engineering Department of HKUST. 
        About 65% of communication among the hearing-impaired depends on facial expressions. People need to read their lips.  This nanofilm will aid thier communication.  And sometimes people need to take off masks when drawing money at banks or passing the customs.
        Gao said the ultrathin nanofilm is extremely transparent, gas-permeable and water-proof.
        It is 25 times stronger than stainless steel with the same mass.
        With adjustable porous properties, it is suited to wearable devices, medical protection, desalination, solar cells and many other cutting-edge future technologies.