From Mask Waste to Eco Composites: MASK2MATTER Wins Silver at IIDEX 2025

December 15, 2025

Shah Alam, 30 October 2025 — Invention, Innovation & Design Exposition (IIDEX 2025), organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) under the Department of Research & Innovation, was held from 28 to 30 October 2025 at UiTM Shah Alam. The event showcased creative inventions and research innovations from universities and industries across Malaysia under categories such as Contingent, Inventor, and Young Inventor.

Among the outstanding participants, PhD student Lim Tiong Seng, guided by Ir. Dr. Kanageswary Sockalingam and Ir. Dr. Mathan Sambu, achieved remarkable success by winning the Silver Medal under the Young Inventor (Postgraduate) category for his project titled:
“MASK2MATTER: Turning Waste Face Masks into High-Value Eco-Composites.”

The project addresses one of the pressing environmental issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic—the massive accumulation of disposable face mask waste. The team developed a sustainable process to recycle single-use polypropylene (PP) face masks into eco-composites reinforced with natural jute fibers.

Through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the thermal and chemical properties of mask materials were analyzed. The recycled PP was compression-moulded into polymer plates and compared against composites reinforced with woven jute fiber. Results revealed enhanced tensile performance and improved mechanical strength, demonstrating the potential of this novel mask-derived composite for low-to-medium load structural applications.

This research not only mitigates mask-waste pollution but also supports the transition toward a circular economy. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) —

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure),
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and
SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The MASK2MATTER initiative exemplifies the theme of IIDEX 2025, “Dari Idea ke Impak: Inspirasi IIDEX 2025” (“From Idea to Impact”), by translating academic research into practical, eco-friendly solutions with tangible societal benefits.