PNB Housing Finance Signs MoU With IIT Delhi

Sustaining its commitment of contributing towards the well?being of healthcare workers during the COVID?19 pandemic, with the able guidance of the Principal Scientific Advisor’s (PSA) Office to the Prime Minister, GoI, PNB Housing Finance Limited signed a MoU with IIT Delhi. The initiative will support critical research and development (R&D) of a unique prototype material to be used in manufacturing sustainable PPE. The main objective of the current research is designing and developing critical PPE face masks and surgical gowns using Jacquard knitting technology. The knit construction for the mask will be optimized for a secure 3D?fit around the face with a layer of melt?blown, nonwoven material in between ensuring efficient filtration/barrier protection with good breathability. For the gown, the fabric and lamination process can be engineered in achieving a stretchable, non?permeable gown adhering to international standards. Elaborating on the initiative, Neeraj Vyas, Managing Director and CEO of PNB Housing Finance said, “We believe all public and private stakeholders must contribute their mite in stopping its spread. As part of our societal responsibilities, PNBHFL has joined hands with IIT Delhi in ensuring we contribute to the nation effort in flattening the COVID?19 curve. Through this partnership, we can play a small yet meaningful role in safeguarding the well?being of our frontline warriors, who are risking their lives by putting service before self, day after day.” Discussing the initiative, Professor Bipin Kumar, Department of Textile and Fiber Engineering, IIT Delhi said, "Along with the challenge of meeting PPE demands in the country due to the Covid 19 crisis, another threat looms ahead? the disposal of PPEs after one time use. Though a non? woven layer is must for ensuring desired filtration level but the loose fibrous structure in locally available PPE make the product disposable after one time use. Finding textile solutions that offers reusability, biodegradability, affordability and scalability for PPEs is truly the need of hour."