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Polydimethylsiloxane-coated textiles with minimized microplastic pollution
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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."
Microplastic fibres (MPFs) released during the laundering of synthetic textiles are one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution in oceanic environments, forming a barrier to a sustainable textile industry. Here we report a robust fabric finish for nylon, taking advantage of environmentally friendly polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes, which lessens the release of MPFs by lowering friction. Tribological evaluation reveals a substantially reduced coefficient of friction for PDMS-coated nylon in both dry and wet conditions. A molecular primer based on sulfonated mercaptosilane creates strong ionic bonding between the PDMS coating and the nylon fabric to enhance wash durability. Accordingly, MPF formation can be reduced by 93 ± 2% for coated fabrics after repeated laundering. Importantly, none of the essential properties, such as hydrophobicity, surface structure and comfort of the fabrics, are compromised after washing. Low-friction fabric finishes provide a green route for the design of synthetic fabrics and could help the textile industry transition away from its current, unsustainable practices. The washing processes of synthetic textiles have become one of the main sources of microplastic pollution in the oceans. Here the authors show the rational design of polydimethylsiloxane-coated nylon that releases substantially less microplastic fibres in both dry and wet conditions.
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Low-friction coatings reduce microplastic release from textiles
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"A two-layer PDMS coating for nylon fabrics has been shown to reduce microplastic fiber shedding during laundering by up to 93%, with the protective effect persisting through at least nine wash cycles. Preventing fiber release at the source rather than trying to capture particles downstream represents one of the most efficient strategies for curbing microplastic contamination of aquatic environments and the organisms living in them."
Eco-Sustainable Finishing Treatment of Polyamide Fabrics to Reduce the Release of Microplastics During Washing Processes
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Researchers investigated eco-sustainable surface treatments for polyamide (nylon) fabrics to reduce the shedding of synthetic microplastic fibres during household washing, aiming to cut a major source of marine microplastic pollution at its origin.
Synthetic Textile and Microplastic Pollution: An Analysis on Environmental and Health Impact
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Researchers analyzed how the fast fashion industry's reliance on synthetic textiles drives microplastic pollution, with each washing cycle releasing thousands of microfibers into wastewater, contributing to widespread environmental contamination and potential human health effects through inhalation and ingestion.
Sources of Microplastics: Textile and Technical Textiles
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This review pulls together existing research showing that everyday fabrics and industrial textiles (like those used in cars, medical devices, and construction) shed tiny plastic fibers throughout their entire life, when they're made, worn, washed, and thrown away. Factors like how the fabric is woven, dyed, and treated, plus everyday wear-and-tear from sunlight and friction, all speed up this shedding, meaning the clothes and materials around us are a steady, ongoing source of microplastic pollution rather than a one-time issue. Since microplastics have been linked to potential health risks, understanding these sources is a key step toward re
Synthetic Fabrics and Microfiber Pollution–An Assessment of Their Global Impact
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Researchers assessed how washing synthetic clothing made from acrylic and polyester releases microfibers into wastewater, contributing to widespread environmental contamination as these tiny plastic threads pass through treatment systems and enter waterways and eventually the food chain.
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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.