We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Towards functional textiles: the novel sustainable technologies for improvement of appearance, colour, elasticity, and regeneration of microdamages
Summary
Researchers investigated novel sustainable laundry technologies designed to repair microdamages in delicate synthetic fabrics, evaluating treatments that could extend garment lifespan and reduce microplastic release and greenhouse gas emissions associated with textile washing.
Abstract The production and laundry of all synthetic textiles currently in use by consumers exerts a significant impact on global pollution, primarily through the emission of greenhouse gases and the intensive release of microplastic particles into the environment. Considering this, the present study proposes the wearing and improvement of delicate fabrics with low durability as a means of supporting the sustainable use of resources. The aim of this research was to suggest novel sustainable technologies in laundry products and to evaluate the beneficial effects for regeneration of microdamages, improvement of fabric appearance, colour retention and elasticity during washing cycles. The following sustainable technologies were suggested: enzymes, organic acids in combination with oligosaccharides and amino acids. In the present study, the effects were investigated by modern methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), deformation-strength technique, colorimetry and UV-spectroscopy. Transglutaminase as the enzyme in laundry washing gel provided the restoration and splitting of the ends of delicate fabrics up to 85% after several washing cycles. Similar results were observed in cotton fabrics when sucrose, malic acid and an active oxygen releaser were combined in a laundry powder formulation. Furthermore, a novel combination of shikimic acid and L-arginine, when applied in acidic conditions, was found to be capable of significantly repairing protease-damaged wool cuticle and reducing striation. Consequently, natural-based technologies for laundry have the potential to provide deep regeneration of microdamages, enhance colour retention and increase durability of delicate fabrics with minimal environmental impact.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The Effect of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Synthetic Fabrics on the Release of Microplastics during Washing and Drying
Researchers investigated how the physical and chemical properties of synthetic fabrics influence microplastic fiber release during washing and drying, finding that fabric construction, fiber type, and surface treatment are key determinants of the quantity and characteristics of released microplastic particles.
The development and research of a novel biodegradable technology for the regeneration of microdamages and regulation of the elasticity of delicate fabrics during laundry washing cycles
Researchers investigated the enzyme transglutaminase (TGase) as an additive in laundry washing gel to repair microdamage and improve the mechanical properties of delicate silk and wool fabrics, which are promoted as plastic-free alternatives to synthetic textiles. SEM and deformation-strength analysis showed that TGase restored fiber integrity by up to 85% over 10 wash cycles and increased fabric elasticity by 16%.
Ecodesign of polyester fabrics to limit the release of microplastic fibre fragments during the first wash
Researchers investigated how textile production parameters affect the release of microplastic fibre fragments from polyester fabrics during the first wash, aiming to develop ecodesign strategies for the textile industry which is responsible for 35% of microplastics released into oceans.
Eco-conception d'étoffes en polyester pour limiter le relargage de fragments de fibres microplastiques lors du premier lavage
Researchers investigated the release of microplastic fibre fragments from polyester textiles during the first machine wash, evaluating how production-stage design choices affect fibre shedding with the goal of developing lower-emission textile manufacturing approaches.
Sustainable Approaches in Textile Finishing to Control Microfiber Releases
This review examines sustainable textile finishing approaches designed to reduce microfiber releases from synthetic fabrics. Researchers discuss various treatment methods that can minimize the shedding of microplastic fibers during washing and use, addressing one of the major sources of microplastic pollution entering waterways.