Chemists at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) have developed an abaca-based fabric that filters out toxic materials and other pollutants▷▲. It was developed by Jordan Madrid and Patrick Jay Cabala from the PNRI chemistry research section and Lucille Abad from PNRI&rsquo◇○;s atomic research division=◇•▪▪.
DOST said the composite nonwoven fabric was developed using natural fibres like abaca•▷◁…, a native plant readily available○◆, as the country remains its largest producer globally▪●▲-.
Abaca was grafted with synthetic polymers that can filter toxic heavy metals dissolved in liquid▽◆. Radiation at PNRI&rsquo▲•;s electron beam irradiation facility was used to graft the materials and further process those into their final form as a synthesised filter for heavy metals-…,PRODUCTS, according to media reports in the country▲★•▷-.
These metals=•★,recycled material such as lead◇○=□☆,environmental preservation cadmium◆◆•★, nickel▽•△•□,bioearth chromium△●▲, mercury and arsenic-□★▼, can damage the environment and pose serious health risks to people▲….
The invention was awarded the Regional Winner for the Outstanding Utility Model Award during the 2019 DOST Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits in the national capital region held in November•☆.