Chennai, Mar 30 (IANS): With masks in huge demand to protect against coronavirus, a team of researchers from Anna University said on Monday that it has developed a reusable and hence cost-effective mask made of polyester pile fabric.

"The mask can be washed up to 20 times and reused. It costs about Rs 30 a piece," S. Subramanian, the team leader from the Department of Textiles, Alagappa College of Technology, Anna University, told IANS.

According to him, the team had earlier worked on developing mask for pollution protection.

After checking out several materials, Subramanian said the team zeroed in on polyester pile fabric which is breathable and washable and also offers good filteration capabilities.

He said a cotton-based mask will retain the moisture and be wet whereas the polyester pile fabric will remain dry.

Pointing out that the mask developed by his team is thicker, Subramanian said it does not however block air flow, is breathable and washable with any soap.

The Anna University has supplied a sample batch to the Health Department and production on a larger scale has to be done by an outside unit.