How Low-Friction Coatings Affect Microplastic Fiber Release When Laundering Coated and Uncoated Textiles Together.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Synthetic textiles release significant microplastic fibers (MPFs) during laundering, contributing to plastic pollution and health risks.
• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) treatments reduce fabric surface friction, thereby decreasing MPF release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate MPF release when PDMS-coated textiles are laundered with uncoated ones, simulating real-world conditions.
• To quantify the reduction in MPF release achieved by PDMS finishes in mixed-textile laundry loads.

Main Methods:

• PDMS-coated polyester fabrics were laundered with unfinished polyester fabrics of a different color.
• A laboratory simulation involved adhering one fabric to a dish bottom and the other around a magnetic stir bar to ensure contact.
• MPF release from each fabric type was quantified after simulated washing.

Main Results:

• PDMS finishes significantly reduced MPF release in mixed-textile loads, with reductions up to 42% for treated fabrics and 33% for untreated fabrics.
• Fabric orientation and finish played a role in MPF reduction, with specific configurations yielding higher overall decreases.
• Overall MPF release was reduced by 27-37% depending on the fabric finish orientation.

Conclusions:

• PDMS fabric finishes are effective in reducing MPF release during laundering, even when mixed with untreated textiles.
• These finishes offer a viable strategy to mitigate microplastic pollution from synthetic textiles in practical laundry scenarios.
• The findings highlight the potential for targeted textile treatments to address environmental concerns associated with synthetic fabrics.