0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Remediation Sign in to save

Impact of textile composition, structure, and treatment on microplastic release during washing: a review

Textile Research Journal 2024 7 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 45 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Ugnė Gliaudelytė, M. Persson, Virginija Daukantienė

Summary

This review analyzed how textile composition, yarn structure, and fabric treatment affect microplastic release during washing, finding that natural and blended fabrics often shed more microfibers than pure synthetics. Woven fabrics released fewer microplastics than knitted structures, and finishing treatments also influenced shedding rates.

This research critically reviewed the influence of textile characteristics, including textile content (fiber composition), yarn construction, material structure, and treatment type, on microplastic release from textile products during washing. To date, the predominant focus of research has been on the washing parameters rather than the intrinsic characteristics of textiles. The findings of this review revealed that natural, man-made, and mixed-composition fabrics tend to release more microfibers compared to pure synthetic fabrics. Divergent results have been observed in studies on the release of microplastics from recycled synthetic fabrics. Woven fabrics release less microplastic compared to knitted fabrics. However, it is evident that yarn construction has more impact on microplastic release than textile composition or structure, and high-twist filament yarns reduce microplastic formation. Mechanical finishes tend to enhance microplastic release, while synthetic and biodegradable reduce it, but their sustainability and durability aspects need further investigation. The impact of different types of dyes on microplastic release remains unclear. All of the textile characteristics specified in this article are of pivotal importance in microplastic research. Overlooking the significance of any of these details can complicate the development of microplastic mitigation strategies.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Analysis of Microplastics Released from Plain Woven Classified by Yarn Types during Washing and Drying

Researchers analyzed microplastic release from plain woven fabrics classified by yarn type during washing and drying cycles, finding that yarn composition significantly influenced the quantity and characteristics of shed microplastic fibers. The study aims to identify fabric types that release fewer microplastics to reduce textile-derived microplastic emissions to wastewater.

Article Tier 2

Evaluation of microplastic release caused by textile washing processes of synthetic fabrics

This study evaluated microplastic fiber release caused by washing synthetic fabrics, finding that washing processes generate substantial quantities of microfibers and that fabric construction affects release rates, with implications for filtering strategies.

Article Tier 2

Study on the Relationship between Textile Microplastics Shedding and Fabric Structure

Researchers investigated the relationship between textile fabric structure and microplastic shedding during washing, finding that fabric type, weave pattern, and mechanical stress significantly influence the number of microfibers released.

Article Tier 2

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.

Article Tier 2

Investigating the influence of yarn characteristics on microfibre release from knitted fabrics during laundering

This study investigated how yarn characteristics such as fiber type, twist, and structure influence the quantity of microfibres released from knitted fabrics during laundering, identifying key design factors that could reduce textile microfiber pollution.

Share this paper