Ascend’s New Mask Technology To Protect Against COVID-19 Is Now Available For Preorder

September 11, 2020

Ascend Performance Materials has made their new mask technology available to the public for purchase.

In July, NorthEscambia.com first reported that Ascend developed a new mask technology that protect against  SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, and the material to make it is manufactured at the company’s North Escambia facility on Old Chemstrand Road.

The Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask is a reusable general purpose mask that features powerful built-in antimicrobial technology to protect the mask from odor-causing bacteria and mold fungi in a soft, breathable, comfortable fabric that is gentle on the skin.

It’s now available for preorder at acteev.com.

The mask is the first in a series of planned Acteev product introductions that will include a knit fabric mask and a sports gaiter. The company also announced it is designing an N95 respirator and a line of surgical masks and is developing more engineering plastics solutions for high-touch surfaces such as light switches and tray tables; textiles for use in scrubs and hospital gowns; and nonwoven fibers and rolled goods for use in applications such as filtration systems.

The expansion into masks is a natural extension for Ascend, which is the largest producer of nylon 6,6 resin in the world, said Lu Zhang, Ph.D., who joined Ascend earlier this year as vice president and leader of the Acteev business. “The nylon Ascend makes is durable enough to be used under the hood of a car, but when it’s spun into fibers, it can be woven or knitted into fabrics that are soft and silky,” she said. “Combined with our antimicrobial Acteev technology, our fabric makes an Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask more breathable, more comfortable and more wearable than anything else we’ve encountered in the market.”

The Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask is an ideal choice for anyone seeking better protection, comfort and breathability than a typical blue mask and better availability than an N95 respirator, which are reserved for health care workers, Zhang said.

“Masks only inhibit the spread if they’re worn – that’s why comfort and breathability are so important,” Zhang said. “As we send our kids back to school, return to the workplace, resume shopping and otherwise get back to normal life, we need an option that is long-lasting and wearable for hours.

“They’re great for teachers, restaurant staff, transportation workers, industrial personnel and anyone whose lifestyle takes them out of their homes and into the world,” Zhang said.

Recent testing on the knit fabric completed at the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that Acteev technology deactivates the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, with 99.9% efficacy on contact1. Ascend is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other governmental agencies to obtain the appropriate regulatory clearances to make specific claims regarding the technology’s antiviral properties.

Acteev Protect Nonwoven Masks are made with Acteev™ technology with active zinc ions in a polymer matrix to destroy microbes.

“Acteev’s active layer of defense uses safe, environmentally friendly active zinc ions embedded into the matrix of the polymer – not a chemical spray that will wash away or flake off – meaning these masks can be used again and again,” said Phil McDivitt, CEO of Ascend.

The Acteev Protect Nonwoven Masks are constructed with three layers of zinc-embedded materials.

“Our scientists and engineers invented a process for creating a revolutionary new fabric that checks all the boxes,” McDivitt said. “Acteev™ fabric is soft to the touch and moisture-wicking to keep the face cool, and it’s more breathable than other materials used in masks.”

Comments

9 Responses to “Ascend’s New Mask Technology To Protect Against COVID-19 Is Now Available For Preorder”

  1. Ensley Miss on September 13th, 2020 10:30 pm

    Maybe a box of 10 or so is more reasonable for many people. Wonder if they’re good for other
    flu’s ?

  2. Mike on September 13th, 2020 3:44 pm

    It would be good to have data supporting the claims, what FDA has to say?
    Ok, you can wash the masks. What is their efficiency in terms of killing bacteria after 1 wash, after 3 washes, after 15 washes? Do you ave the data showing hey stay efficient? If yes, share it with us, don’t it let be a marketing scream, a false claim. They ARE expensive after all.

  3. Kathy on September 13th, 2020 12:14 pm

    Well on line you can get 3 for $19.99 that after a few washes there trash I know I bought some!! these mask that Ascend has put out are absolutely amazing. and so worth the money Very comfortable and easy to breathe through even if you have breathing problems there Washable! they Protect you protect you and last.
    Walmart has a box of disposable ones that are good for one use that many of you people use the same mask over and over and over again it’s ridiculous throw it away it’s nasty!! And it’s $19.95 for 8 mask your better off Purchasing something that is going to protect you and your family If you think about it $4.00 is better then That $20 mask that you bought that you keep wearing and not washing Get with it with people
    I would love nothing more than this mess gone just like you is it $50 worth your health or the health of your loved one ?

  4. TE on September 12th, 2020 12:09 am

    Speak for yourself. Many people can afford these. As someone who works in airline industry I’d buy these In a heartbeat. I just want it tested by fda to make sure it does what they claim.

  5. reusable on September 11th, 2020 4:38 pm

    Since they’re reusable, I’m not sure why we’d need to buy a box of 25! I’m hoping they start selling singles, or at the very least, in much smaller quantities! As of now, we’d have to ask around to see if anyone would want to “go in” just to buy some.

  6. Tom on September 11th, 2020 12:59 pm

    Comment on the price, As many may know it cost lots of money for research and development thus the reason this first batch of reusable masks is a little pricey. One must also remember that the prices will go down as time goes on, And the fact they are reusable means you no long have to pay to keep buying thus expensive one time use boxed paper masks. R&D is not cheap but prices will stabilize just like anything else.

  7. Laurie on September 11th, 2020 12:46 pm

    Read it again. It’s $99 for a box of 25 masks — that’s a little less than $4 each. Good grief indeed!

  8. Morgan on September 11th, 2020 10:21 am

    These things are expensive. Holy cow

  9. Shaking My Head on September 11th, 2020 9:38 am

    Seriously? $99? Who around here can afford that? I’ll tell you….NO ONE! Good grief. Have they seen the unemployment rate here?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News