Versarien recently reported that its graphene-enhanced face mask
has met the FFP3 standard, the highest standard under the European EN149 standard for filtering half face masks.
As previously outlined in its half-year results, the advanced materials engineering group’s wholly owned Chinese subsidiary, Beijing Versarien Technology Company Limited, has been working with its partner on further developments of the masks. Specifically, this included the testing of a prototype second generation graphene enhanced face mask conducted in China at the Analytical and Testing Centre of Capital Regions which showed a 99.92% antiviral activity rate against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
This process included testing the packaging, as well as the robustness of the material, its practical performance, total inward leakage, breathing resistance, clogging, compatibility with skin and the carbon dioxide content of the inhalation air, Versarien noted.
In order to meet the criteria to be certified as a FFP3 mask, the graphene enhanced face mask had to pass all the relevant tests, which included demonstrating less than 2% inward leakage and the filtering of at least 99% of particulate matter, the Company outlined.
The testing was carried out in China by SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co, an inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and China Standard Science and Technology Group.
Commenting on the certification, Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien, stated that, We are delighted that the latest version of our mask has passed the rigorous FFP3 testing process. Whilst we currently have an FFP2 mask on sale that we believe compares very well with other masks available, being able to offer a non-valve FFP3 mask with anti-viral properties is a significant further step and we intend to bring these masks to the market as soon as possible."