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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Synthesis of Plant Phenol-derived Polymeric Dyes for Direct or Mordant-based Hair Dyeing
Published on: December 1, 2016
[Organic artificial fibers: properties and toxicity]
A Cannizzaro1, A Campopiano, A Olori
1Laboratorio Polveri e Fibre, Dipartimento Igiene del Lavoro, ISPESL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00040 Monte Porzio Catone, Roma. annapaola.cannizzaro@ispesl.it
Man-made organic fibers (MMOFs) are used as asbestos substitutes. This study examines the toxicity of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and Kevlar based on their physical properties and fiber dimensions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Man-made organic fibers (MMOFs) are increasingly used as substitutes for asbestos in industrial applications.
- MMOFs are classified under IARC Group 3, indicating they are not classifiable regarding human carcinogenicity.
- Understanding the toxicity of MMOFs is crucial due to their widespread industrial use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the toxicity of commercially available MMOFs.
- To correlate the toxicity of MMOFs with their specific chemical-physical properties.
- To analyze the morphology and dimensions of selected MMOFs.
Main Methods:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to analyze fiber morphology and diameter.
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed for material identification.
- Comparative analysis of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and Kevlar.
Main Results:
- Mean fiber diameters were measured: PAN (10.50 µm), PVA (16.60 µm), and Kevlar (11.61 µm).
- Kevlar exhibited the ability to form fibrils with diameters ranging from 0.2–1.6 µm, including sub-micrometer sizes.
- FTIR spectra provided characteristic analyses for each fiber type.
Conclusions:
- The potential for Kevlar to generate sub-micrometer fibrils necessitates further investigation into its biosolubility and toxicological impact.
- Physical properties, particularly fiber diameter and fibril formation, are key factors in assessing MMOF toxicity.
- This study highlights the importance of detailed material characterization for evaluating the safety of industrial fibers.
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