A University of Waterloo professor is leading a breakthrough effort to overhaul personal protective equipment (PPE). Dr. Boxin Zhao, endowed chair in Nanotechnology and CTO of EverBond, partnered with industry veteran Trent Ogilvie (CEO, EverBond) to tackle key limitations of current PPE—namely, lack of breathability, one-and-done protection and the presence of harmful PFAS chemicals.
Key innovations include:
- Breathable, reactive coating – Unlike traditional impermeable suits, this fabric allows airflow while still drawing in and neutralizing toxic agents on contact for continuous protection.
- PFAS-free formula – The coating eliminates per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals now being regulated and banned due to environmental and health risks.
- Real-world readiness – EverBond has patented the technology via PCT, secured early-stage licensing agreements, and progressed in collaborations and commercialization efforts supported by Velocity and WatCo.
This development represents a major leap forward for first responders, industrial personnel, firefighters and hazmat teams—people who rely on extended-duty, high-performance protective gear. By replacing toxic repellents with intelligent, responsive chemistry, Dr. Zhao and EverBond aim to deliver superior protection while reducing environmental harm.
Read the original story from Velocity Incubator: Coating that fights back: The PPE built to protect those who protect us