A date with a virus on paper

A Date
with a Viruswith a Virus
On Paper
D K Singhal
A Date with a Virus on Paper, D K Singhal, November 2020

Virus… and Us.
2
एक छोटे से वायरस वारा मचाई गयी उथल पुथल
से, हम सबको िज़ दगी के मायने समझ आने लगे
ह".
वष$ से हम जीव& को बेघर कर, अपनी दु)नयावष$ से हम जीव& को बेघर कर, अपनी दु)नया
बसाते आ रहे ह" ले+कन हम उनक, िज़ दगी के
मायने नह-ं समझ पाए.
आ/खर वो भी ख़ुशी से जीना चाहते ह".
बस हम इस बात को कह लेते ह", वो नह-ं कहते.

Space for Virus
3
A virus can grow in proper environment, and
obviously, we cannot allow these to grow on our
body or in our lives.
As any enemy, they should not enter our territory,As any enemy, they should not enter our territory,
and we should also not disturb them.
Can we provide some space on earth to them to live
and enjoy their lives, without affecting ours?
Let’s see...

Virus on different surfaces
4
We have read that the virus can stay on different
surfaces for different time.
On steel, its life is a few hours, on plastics a few
days, while on paper & cardboard, the life is 2-3days, while on paper & cardboard, the life is
hours only.
However, there are some serious questions that
appear when you look at this data.

Virus on Paper
5
Today, we make different grades of paper-
GSM: ranging from 12-18 GSM to 100-200
Very rough to very smooth
From ashless to 30% or more ash containingFrom ashless to 30% or more ash containing
Uncoated, SS and coated grades
Varying porosity, bulk etc.
Which grade of paper did they use for this study?

Effect of Paper Grade
6
Unfortunately, the details about the paper used for
the comparison is not available on the net.
Well, that gives a hint.
We can take different grades of paper, and getWe can take different grades of paper, and get
these tested.
But again, no lab could be found in India where
such study can be made.

Problems in Testing
7
You impregnate paper with a deadly virus, check
the presence of virus immediately and after
different time intervals, and compile data.
But, working with such deadly viruses is not simple.But, working with such deadly viruses is not simple.
You need very sophisticated labs, with controlled
environment, under the strict observation and
checkup by the expert doctors.
Not possible at present.

Alternates
8
Look at the physical nature.
Can we use physical properties of materials to get
some useful information?
The present presentation is a small effort in thisThe present presentation is a small effort in this
direction.

Covid-19 Virus
9
The virus is spherical in shape, with typically 80nm
diameter ball and 20nm projecting spikes, thus
making a 120nm overall size.
On the other hand, the ordinary light has aOn the other hand, the ordinary light has a
wavelength of 380-700nm,
thus making it difficult to see
the virus in ordinary light.

Covid-19 Virus
10
Simply, we can say, virus size is very small.
Can we give some space for the virus to stay there?
Obviously, we don’t need big space!
Please look at the SEM image of paper on the next
slide.

Paper
11

Paper: A Safe Vault for Virus
12
As you can see paper surface provides many small
‘caves’ on it for virus to stay there, inert.
Many other material do not provide such facility for
viruses.
So, when a virus hits paper surface, there are pretty
good chances that most of these get inside the
paper surface, and become out of reach for
anyone.

Paper: Safe for all of us.
13
Alternatively, can we say, most of the viruses, when
come in contact with paper, shall remain
untouchable by human beings, due to the nature of
paper.
Imagine spraying talcum powder on floor and on
door mat, and try to collect it back.

Paper Vs. Aluminium
14
Let’s have a look at the microscopic images paper
surface and aluminium surface.
Can you see the difference?

Paper vs. Aluminium
15

Paper Vs. Other surfaces
16
Paper provides a pretty rough surface, and thus
traps the virus molecules on it, protecting it from
going back to atmosphere easily.
Unfortunately, polythene, polypropylene, glass,Unfortunately, polythene, polypropylene, glass,
metals or other surfaces do not provide this facility.

The Virus Afterlife…
17
Paper is one of the most recycled items, probably
after iron and aluminium.
After you use, paper is sent to recycling mills, and in
the process, high shear in presence of paper makingthe process, high shear in presence of paper making
chemicals and elevated temperature during drying
of paper destroy the virus.
The paper comes back afresh to you for use.

Think…
18
Haven’t we making all surfaces smooth and
smoother, thus depriving all viruses and bacteria of
space they need?
All our walls are being painted with smooth paint,All our walls are being painted with smooth paint,
all furniture coated with paint, do these viruses have
any other option other than fighting us?
And also …

Think…
19
Considering the above points, can there be
some other packaging material better than
paper?paper?
Think paper, #UsePaper, #LovePaper

20
Thank You.
D K Singhal
D K
Singhal
Digitally signed
by D K Singhal
Date: 2020.11.10
16:17:02 +05'30'

A date with a virus on paper

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