Directa Plus PLC (LON:DCTA) said it has received a grant for its face masks as part of the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
The producer and supplier of graphene nanoplatelets based products for use in consumer and industrial markets said the grant has a total value of €100,000, on a non-refundable basis, and covers a project which is expected to be concluded within the next 8 months.
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As part of the Inno4Cov-19 Project, the grant will be used to assist Directa's research into using graphene technology to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
This will build on Directa's work undertaken during 2020 to develop the G+ face-mask and G+ filtering system, the AIM-listed firm said.
It noted that the main technical targets of the projects are to undertake the extensive testing and improvement needed to qualify and market G+ enhanced surgical masks, the development of new biodegradable G+ enhanced filters and of a sanification process for the face-mask using household items such as an iron or a hairdryer.
"We are very proud of Directa's contributions so far to the fight against COVID-19. In conjunction with our research partners we have proven that graphene-enhanced materials can hinder the spread of Covid more effectively than other fabrics,” said Directa Plus chief executive Giulio Cesareo in a statement.
"This grant will allow us to invest further and faster in improving the properties of our face-masks, allow us to supply them into clinical settings, and improve the environmental sustainability of their production."
Shares rose 1% to 94p on Wednesday morning.
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