Shadi Hassan presents “Nava Mask” through the “Dreamers Program”
An ambitious innovation in the "Expo Dubai" .. dreams of saving the world from a "disaster"
Shadi Hassan hosted the Emirates Pavilion at the Dubai Expo.
From the source
Innovation aims to protect humans without harming the earth.
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With the ambition to contribute to making the future of the world a better and more beautiful place... and on the Expo 2020 Dubai platform,
Dr. Shadi Hassan presents an innovation that offers a practical solution to the crisis that the world is currently experiencing in light of the “Corona” pandemic, and the unlimited use of face masks to combat the spread of the virus, through the creation of “Nava Mask”, which aims to protect humans and save the planet from negative effects. To use ordinary face masks that contain plastic materials that are harmful to the environment.
Dr. Shadi, Deputy Director of the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology and Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, is reviewing his innovation within the "Dreamers Program", which is hosted by the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
plastic materials
Dr. Shadi told "Emirates Today": "We hope to revolutionize the global health care market, by creating effective and environmentally friendly personal protection equipment," noting that the reason for the idea of this innovation is that "most of the face masks that are received every minute There are estimated to be three million, which leads to the release of huge amounts of micro and nanoplastics into our world.”
He pointed out that "Nava Mask" is a pioneering innovation in the manufacture of biodegradable masks made of 99% of "polylactic acid", and treated with antimicrobial plant compounds, adding: "We seek to market and expand the manufacture of these approved masks from the UAE, which is under construction." Implementation to obtain the approved mark of European quality for such projects, which contribute to protecting people to counter the spread of the Corona virus, without harming the earth, through the use of millions of masks made of plastic.
He explained that "his studies in the UAE contributed to his obtaining a great opportunity to develop his ideas and ambitions," noting that he studied at the UAE University of Chemical Environmental Engineering, before heading to Canada to complete graduate studies (Master's and Ph.D.), and then returning again to the Emirates, to be currently Within the team affiliated with Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi.
Revealing a surprise he did not expect, he said, "My field of study was in the development of membranes for water treatment, while I did not expect that it would be a source of inspiration for me to use the same technology and think about this innovation, as the scientific steps are similar."
closing time
On the most prominent difficulties that he faced, Dr. Shadi said: “We started implementing this idea at a time when most countries of the world were in a state of complete closure, and transportation was very difficult to laboratories, and dealing in general was very difficult to complete any operation or request we wanted, But we have completed our path and reached the innovation that is considered an environmentally friendly organic mask, while at the same time giving its wearers a better way to breathe than other masks.”
He continued, "The danger of the masks currently used is that they are made of plastic, and their danger increases if they reach water sources, while the ones we created are consistent with the logic of environmental sustainability."
The Deputy Director of the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology praised the great support he received as a result of his studies in the UAE, stressing that the scientific expertise and laboratories available at Khalifa University, and the support of this type of project, contributed to the success of innovation.
He believed that "the UAE does not know the impossible, as it is a fertile environment for innovators, creators and dreamers, as we have received indescribable support, and help any innovator to achieve his dream, and I am proud to be in (Expo 2020 Dubai), which is a global platform that receives investors and developers, and opens for us Doors to highlight the product.
• 3 million masks are thrown every minute, which causes great risks to the environment, especially when it reaches waterways.
Dr. Shadi Hassan:
• "The UAE does not know the impossible, as it is a fertile environment for innovators and dreamers... and we have received indescribable support."
• “We hope to revolutionize the global healthcare market, by creating effective and environmentally friendly protective equipment.”
one goal
Dr. Shadi Hassan expressed his happiness to participate in his innovation in "Expo 2020 Dubai", praising the contents of the international exhibition.
He said: "There is no doubt that the various events in the global event paint a wonderful picture, and open the way for visitors to learn about different cultures, and aim at one goal how the planet is sustainable, healthy and safe."