The story of the green anti-Corona mask developed at Shenkar began hundreds of years ago - in the Middle Ages. 

Even then, the element silver (Argentum) was known as having a "healing” effect and as such, its' medical therapy is the source of the popular saying "he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth". 

In the Middle Ages, wealthy people were known to put silver spoons into their babies' mouths, which facilitated them to overcome the critical years in which many babies did not survive. Those babies whose parents were poor had to battle terrible illnesses, and many had not made it. Over time, the saying's medical connotation was forgotten, and the attribute of having a silver spoon in one's mouth became connected to wealth and indulgence. 

Medical uses for silver also found expression in "grandma's" remedies; for example, treating the flu with tea and a silver spoon, as well as chicken soup with a silver spoon. In fact, up until the discovery and use of antibiotics, you could find various silver ions, zinc and even sodium in a doctors' medical bag. With the development of antibiotics, the medical use of silver became less common, but at the same time, its' efficiency in the fight against the spreading of viruses and microbes became proven. 

In the Polymer Materials Engineering department, research was undertaken dealing with polymers that contain positive ions (polycations). Dr. Elizabeth Amir led the project in the framework with the Research Innovation Authority, focused on introducing the functional moieties into textiles that enhance woven and non-woven fabrics' properties. Among others, the material polyaniline was used, which, in some forms, contains positive ions (quaternary ammonium ion), known as a disinfectant of microbes and viruses of various kinds. Prof. Hanna Dodiuk began incorporating quaternary ions into dental products (which have been commercialized) over 20 years ago to prevent the spread of plaque buildup in the teeth. Several years ago, Prof. Shmuel Kenig began using nanoparticles treated with organic materials that contained quaternary ions to prevent the corrosion of metal as well as fire-retardant materials, which were patented by Shenkar, and eventually became commercial products. 

Based on hundreds of years of history and on the research undertaken by the Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, as well as with the rise of thrust for preventing the spread of the Coronavirus – necessity is the mother of all inventions – an inspiration turned up to combine polymers that contained a high concentration of ions and applying it to commercial facial masks, as well as other filters and other applications. Over several months, and with the help of internal resources at Shenkar, the students in the department of Polymer Materials Engineering as well as professors Elizabeth Amir, Hanna Dodiuk, and Shmuel Kenig, all mobilized to turn basic knowledge into commercial products. 

The green mask (the natural color of polyaniline) contains several elements that make it a relevant solution for the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus:

- the coating process is water-based and therefore is attractive for production from an environmental point of view;

- the coating process takes only a few minutes;

- following the application, the drying process is carried out at room temperature or in an oven to shorten the drying time;

- the mask is multi-use and can be used for days on end;

- the anti-viral property of the mask can be refreshed with simple home treatment;

- coating materials based on cations has been approved by the American Federal Drug Administration (FDA) as a transplant material in humans and as a nutritional supplement.

At present, several Israeli companies are in negotiations with Shenkar to use the "green" solution. Among them are air conditioning companies, mask importers, and hospitals requesting to coat their protective gear with the anti-viral coating for their staff treating patients with the Coronavirus. 

The department of Polymer Materials Engineering proposes using the anti-viral coating for additional applications such as air filter systems on planes, automobiles and halls; coating for catheters inserted in patients; wall coating, curtains (in hospitals); beddings, door handles and the like.