Polydimethylsiloxane-coated textiles with minimized microplastic pollution

Sudip Kumar Lahiri, Zahra Azimi Dijvejin and Kevin Golovin ()
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Sudip Kumar Lahiri: University of Toronto
Zahra Azimi Dijvejin: University of Toronto
Kevin Golovin: University of Toronto

Nature Sustainability, 2023, vol. 6, issue 5, 559-567

Abstract: Abstract 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.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-022-01059-4

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