New MagIQ™ Non-Woven Electret Plus Supports Increased Face Mask Production

May 15, 2020

SHANGHAI, China – May 15, 2020 – PolyOne today launched a new functional additive for protective face masks as part of its Fiber Solutions portfolio. MagIQ™ Non-Woven Electret Plus improves the dielectric properties in face masks, extending filtration efficiency and the length of time masks will hold a charge.

The Covid-19 pandemic is causing a need for greater numbers of N95 respirators and surgical masks than ever before, resulting in a global shortage that stands at unprecedented levels. Although industry leaders are retooling to produce more masks, manufacturers and suppliers are struggling to bridge the gap between demand and supply.

N95 and surgical masks both rely on multi-layer construction, with a middle layer made from melt-blown non-woven material. This layer filters out aerosols and particulates containing bacteria and viruses to protect the wearer and those around them.

To add better particle blocking capabilities to this layer, fibers can be modified with an additive during extrusion before undergoing an electret charging process. The charged fibers are more effective in keeping particles out.

“With proper ingredient selection and processing, MagIQ Non-Woven Electret Plus helps the middle layer of protective masks to effectively trap particles as small as 0.3 microns,” explains  Say Eng Lee, VP and GM Color Asia at PolyOne.

MagIQ™ Non-Woven Electret Plus is commercially available globally. It can help manufacturers increase face mask filtration efficiency and shelf life as they work to meet increased global demand.

Caption: MagIQ™ Non-Woven Electret Plus improves the dielectric properties in both surgical (left) and N95 face masks, extending filtration efficiency and the length of time masks will hold a charge.

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), with 2019 revenues of $2.9 billion, is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. The company adds value to global customers and improves sustainability through formulating materials, such as:

• Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic
• Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation
• Breakthrough technologies that minimize wastewater and improve the recyclability of materials and packaging across a spectrum of end uses

PolyOne employs approximately 5,600 associates, is certified ACC Responsible Care® and Great Place to Work®, and is a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. For more information, visit www.polyone.com.

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Media contact

Michelle Maniscalco
Senior Manager, Marketing Communications
PolyOne Corporation
+1 440-930-1988
michelle.maniscalco@avient.com