Australian scientists invent a treatment: “Transforming aluminium into antiviral and antibacterial”

The COVID-19 pandemic has made science turn its eyes to locate that perhaps had been a little forgotten, such as hygiene and health in public spaces. Contamination must be avoided at all costs, and the mask is not enough because we are constantly touching things at work, the supermarket, public spaces Australian scientists have invented a treatment that converts aluminium into antiviral and antibacterial.

Aluminium is one of the most used metals in hospitals, as it is also widely used to make keyboards, door and window knobs, and other objects that we touch constantly.

The Queensland Institute of Technology in Australia has been testing with aluminium alloy 663 and after applying treatment with sodium hydroxide for three hours, very interesting changes in aluminium. Sodium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic soda.

To avoid infections through the eyes, nose or mouth, it is advisable to apply a deep cleaning treatment to maintain a good level of hygiene on your smartphone.

The treatment altered the smooth surface of the aluminium, causing small microscopic cracks and making it hydrophilic that attracts water.

When viruses and bacteria settle on this aluminium they are attracted to these cracks, getting the outer membranes of these organisms to tear, causing their death. It is a technique that some insects also use on their wings.

In the tests carried out, all the bacteria that came into contact with this aluminium died in three hours, and the respiratory viruses in two hours. Even after numerous washes, aluminium still maintained its antiviral power.

Since sodium hydroxide is very cheap and readily available, and the treatment is as simple as three hours of soaking the aluminium, they plan to offer their method to manufacturers for use in hospitals, airports, utilities, and elsewhere.