New material for protective suits developed by S. Korea
- 4 years ago
위기를 기회로, 코로나 진단키트 넘어 한국산 'K-방호복' 인기몰이...3천억 원 수출 효과 기대돼
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea has been recognized for its massive testing ability, exporting its test kits worldwide.
Now the world is facing a shortage of protective suits for frontline workers, and South Korea has come up with a solution, creating a new material for the suits.
Choi Jeong-yoon files this report from Daegu, where researchers are working day and night to produce the material.
Medical teams around the world could soon be wearing protective suits made with a new material developed by a South Korean institute. Felt, the main fabric used to make isolation gowns is in short supply as much of it has been used to make face masks. To find a solution, New York called the Korea Dyeing and Finishing Technology Institute, or DYTECH for help.
"This new material is durable and long-lasting. Protective suits made of felt tear easily and can be used only once whereas this novel material can be washed and reused. Amid the shortage of products due to the pandemic, this could be a groundbreaking invention."
Going through pressure and penetration tests, the fabric is more water-resistant than any other product on site. The core technology is the coating, which stops blood or droplets from entering the suit.
Developing the new material and sending samples to the U.S. took less than a week.
As the virus has stopped people from holding face-to-face meetings, the deal to export some 500 thousand yards of fabric was made online.
"We already had the database of different suit restrictions by country. With the accumulated information we could make a fabric that met U.S. standards and have it tested with a simulation system."
Negotiations are ongoing over exporting some 10 million yards of the fabric to ten countries. That's enough fabric to make 5 million suits. In order to meet the tremendous number of orders, DYTECH is planning to work with a dozen local businesses to deliver the suits in time. The institute says the COVID-19 crisis has become an opportunity for the domestic fabric industry.
"The institute aims to boost Korea’s overall textile industry by working with local sewing businesses to make complete protective suits. This is expected to lead to profits over 250 million U.S dollars. Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News, Daegu."
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea has been recognized for its massive testing ability, exporting its test kits worldwide.
Now the world is facing a shortage of protective suits for frontline workers, and South Korea has come up with a solution, creating a new material for the suits.
Choi Jeong-yoon files this report from Daegu, where researchers are working day and night to produce the material.
Medical teams around the world could soon be wearing protective suits made with a new material developed by a South Korean institute. Felt, the main fabric used to make isolation gowns is in short supply as much of it has been used to make face masks. To find a solution, New York called the Korea Dyeing and Finishing Technology Institute, or DYTECH for help.
"This new material is durable and long-lasting. Protective suits made of felt tear easily and can be used only once whereas this novel material can be washed and reused. Amid the shortage of products due to the pandemic, this could be a groundbreaking invention."
Going through pressure and penetration tests, the fabric is more water-resistant than any other product on site. The core technology is the coating, which stops blood or droplets from entering the suit.
Developing the new material and sending samples to the U.S. took less than a week.
As the virus has stopped people from holding face-to-face meetings, the deal to export some 500 thousand yards of fabric was made online.
"We already had the database of different suit restrictions by country. With the accumulated information we could make a fabric that met U.S. standards and have it tested with a simulation system."
Negotiations are ongoing over exporting some 10 million yards of the fabric to ten countries. That's enough fabric to make 5 million suits. In order to meet the tremendous number of orders, DYTECH is planning to work with a dozen local businesses to deliver the suits in time. The institute says the COVID-19 crisis has become an opportunity for the domestic fabric industry.
"The institute aims to boost Korea’s overall textile industry by working with local sewing businesses to make complete protective suits. This is expected to lead to profits over 250 million U.S dollars. Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News, Daegu."