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Perspective: A Sandwich Encapsulation Strategy to Mitigate PCM‐Based Microplastic Generation from Fibrous Materials
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This perspective article proposes a 'sandwich encapsulation' design for phase change materials embedded in textiles, aimed at preventing the leakage of polymer microparticles from thermal-management fabrics. It is relevant to microplastic pollution because fibrous phase change materials are a largely overlooked source of microplastic emissions from technical textiles, and the proposed design offers an engineering solution.
ABSTRACT Phase change materials (PCMs) embedded in fibrous materials offer significant benefits of thermal management for various applications. However, the complex structure and lifecycle of phase change fibrous material (PCFM) exacerbate PCM‐based microplastic generation. As regulations targeting microplastics from textiles emerge globally (e.g., EU initiatives) and consumer demand for sustainable products surges, reconciling the functional advantages of PCFM with environmental footprint is paramount. The perspective not only re‐examines the PCM‐based microplastic generation from PCFM but also offers solutions for PCFM development in the context of microplastic reduction. Especially, a sandwich fibrous phase change material encapsulation (SFPCME) is notable to avoid PCM leakage under various situation, presenting a significant potential to avoid PCM‐based microplastic generation.
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Researchers proposed and demonstrated the direct collection and reuse of textile finishing waste microfibers as reinforcement in thermally insulating composite construction materials, diverting a significant fraction of Italy's estimated 5000 tonnes per year of textile processing waste fibers from environmental release. The composite materials met performance benchmarks for construction applications, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
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"Researchers developed a durable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brush coating for nylon fabrics that reduces the coefficient of friction and cuts microplastic fiber release during laundering by 93%, without compromising fabric feel, hydrophobicity, or surface structure. Because synthetic textile washing is among the largest single sources of oceanic microplastic pollution, a scalable low-friction fabric finish could dramatically reduce the volume of fibers entering waterways and ultimately the human food chain."
Advanced Materials for Clothing and Textile Engineering
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Not relevant to microplastics — this is a special issue collection on advanced textile materials and clothing engineering, covering mechanical properties, thermal behaviour, and 3D garment modelling, with no direct microplastic pollution research.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.