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Related Experiment Video

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Artificial Thermal Ageing of Polyester Reinforced and Polyvinyl Chloride Coated Technical Fabric

Artificial Thermal Ageing of Polyester Reinforced and Polyvinyl Chloride Coated Technical Fabric

Published on: January 29, 2020

Aging and Modified Washing Process for Polyester Fabrics-Environmental Impact.

Ana Šaravanja¹, Tanja Pušić¹, Julija Volmajer Valh²

¹Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.

|December 17, 2024

Summary

Artificial aging and washing degrade polyester fabrics, releasing microplastics into wastewater. This study analyzed fabric changes and wastewater contamination, highlighting environmental impacts and suggesting optimized washing protocols to mitigate pollution.

Keywords:

artificial aging defragmentation polyester fabric washing process wastewater

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Published on: August 19, 2019

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Environmental Science
Textile Engineering

Background:

Textile properties change with aging and washing.
Textile fragments are released during washing, contributing to microplastic pollution.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of artificial aging and washing on polyester fabric properties.
To analyze the composition of wastewater generated from washing aged polyester fabrics.
To understand the environmental implications of polyester fabric degradation.

Main Methods:

Polyester fabrics underwent artificial aging under controlled conditions.
A modified washing process with 10 cycles was applied before and after aging.
Physical, structural, morphological, and wastewater properties were analyzed using techniques like zeta potential and BET analysis.

Main Results:

Aging induced "annealing", photo-oxidative degradation, and fiber thickening.
Both aging and washing altered tensile strength and surface properties.
Wastewater analysis revealed textile fragments and detached fibrils, confirming fabric defragmentation.

Conclusions:

Aging and washing significantly impact polyester fabric characteristics and wastewater contamination.
Environmental concerns arise from aged polyester fabric degradation and microplastic release.
Future research should focus on optimizing washing conditions (temperature, detergents, protocols) to minimize environmental impact.