1. WHAT IS AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF POLYAMIDE WIRE USED IN DEFENDER MASK?

It is a polyamide wire with an antiviral and antimicrobial agent in its polymer matrix that helps to block cross-contamination from viruses and bacteria. Articles developed from Amni®Virus-Bac OFF polyamide reduce the likelihood of contamination, as they have the ability to deactivate microorganisms (viruses and bacteria) present on the textile surface. The Amni® Virus-Bac OFF wire works against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses and also against the bacteria action, which can be considered possible host cells for the virus, which is an obligate intracellular parasite.

2. HOW IS THE MECHANISM OF ACTION OF THE AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF POLYAMIDE WIRE USED IN THE DEFENDER MASK?

The antiviral agent present in the polymeric matrix of the Rhodia polyamide wire has an electronic affinity with protein regions of the external structure of the virus, preventing it from hosting in human cells, blocking contamination. In addition, the antiviral agent acts to break the lipid (fat) envelope of the enveloped viruses, when this break happens, the genetic material of the virus is exposed and the virus is inactivated, thus preventing its replication, in other words, the virus loses its ability to act (contamination).

3. HOW LONG DOES THE ANTIVIRAL ACTION OF THE POLYAMIDE AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF USED IN THE DEFEND MASK LAST?

The Amni® Virus-Bac OFF has the great advantage of the permanent effect thanks to the antiviral and antibacterial agent in the polyamide polymer matrix (DNA of the wire), which means that its antiviral and antibacterial action will remain throughout the useful life of the textile article, that is, the wire used when making the DEFENDER mask it will have the same effectiveness and uniformly even after numerous washes.

4. DOES THE AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF POLYAMIDE WIRE HAVE ANY OTHER FUNCTION IN ADDITION TO ANTIVIRAL?

Yes. The Amni® Virus-Bac OFF wire used in the DEFENDER mask also has antibacterial action, which eliminates bacteria, according to the AATCC100 standard, which is very important, since bacteria can be considered possible host cells for the virus, which is an obligate intracellular parasite.

5. HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF WIRE USED IN THE MASK AGAINST COVID-19?

The effectiveness of Amni®Virus-Bac OFF polyamide wire was tested in accordance with ISO 18184 (Textile: Determination of antiviral Activity of Textile Products). With adenovirus and herpesvirus (hsv) viral models, considered from the two categories of viruses called non-enveloped and enveloped (of which covid-19 is a part). So, following this test we can say our wire used in the making of the DEFENDER mask is antiviral.

6. WHAT PRODUCTS CAN BE MANUFACTURED FROM AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF POLYAMIDE?

The Amni®Virus-Bac OFF polyamide can be used in the manufacture of knitwear, fabrics, in various applications, such as casual clothing, sportswear, school uniforms, professional clothing, socks, shoes, accessories and social masks such as the DEFENDER mask.

7. WILL RHODIA HAVE A CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE DEFENDER MASK WITH AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF POLYAMIDE?

Yes, Rhodia has a certification process for the DEFENDER mask made from its sustainable smart, functional polyamide wires, which verifies that the wire used in the textile product is actually a Rhodia wire. This process brings enormous security to companies, brands and end consumers, who can thus know the origin of their products and just like this process happens at Rhodia, the approval process for articles developed from Amni® Virus-Bac OFF polyamide will take place similarly. In addition, Rhodia approved parts and articles receive a label that certifies that the product is made with Rhodia wire according to its functionality. Also, this is a great differential and safety for the health professional.

8. IS THERE A MINIMUM GRAMMAGE FOR THE DEFENDER MASK TO BE ANTIVIRAL?

Yes, the minimum required grammage of the Amni® Virus-Bac OFF wire is 110g/m2. The care that needs to be taken is to give the mesh a grammage that has a filter capacity and minimal air passage. The DEFENDER mask has a double layer with an estimated grammage of 913.24 g/m2 allowing high protection and breathability.

9. ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE AGENTS ON THE DEFENDER MASK MADE WITH AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF POLYAMIDE WIRE?

Yes. The water repellent finishes should not be applied to the DEFENDER mask made from Amni® Virus-Bac OFF polyamide wire, as this treatment makes it difficult for the virus to come into contact with the wire that contains the antiviral component, which inactivates it in contact with the surface of the mask.

10. CAN THE DEFENDER MASK MADE WITH AMNI® VIRUS-BAC OFF WIRE BE WASHED AND REUSED?

Yes, the mask parts can be washed and reused without restrictions on cleaning agents used on clothing.

11. DOES THE ANTIVIRAL THREAD USED IN THE DEFENDER MASK ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR OTHER PPE AND CARE RECOMMENDED BY THE RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES?

No, the recommended necessary care must be maintained. As with PPE, washing hands regularly, social distancing when recommended by specialist organizations, spacing appointments, disinfecting office surfaces, etc. It is important to emphasize that the Amni® Virus-Bac OFF wire does not eliminate the negative effect of agglomerations, as there are several parts of the body that will be exposed to contamination, such as hands and eyes. In addition, saliva and other exceptions can still reach areas susceptible to the entry of the virus from the human body such as eyes, nose and mouth.