Formation of Fiber Fragments during Abrasion of Polyester Textiles

Fiber fragments are one of the dominant types microplastics in environmental samples, suggesting that synthetic textiles a potential source to environment. Whereas release during washing is already well studied, much less known about abrasion processes. The may induce fibrillation fibers and therefore result formation finer fiber fragments. aim this study was investigate influence on microplastic fibrils. Fleece interlock textile swatches made polyester were abraded using tests with Martindale tester. fibrils formed extracted from characterized terms number, length, diameter. demonstrated same diameter than found (fleece: 12.3 μm; interlock: 12.7 μm), while smaller 2.4 4.9 μm) also found. number both higher fibers. majority had length between 200 800 μm, most 30 150 forming two distinct fragment morphologies. 5 times could be non-abraded samples. increased after by more factor for fabric types. have diameters fall within inhalable size airborne particles. into air wear thus raises questions human exposure these materials. Since tester can simulate daily application scenario over prolonged period only limited way, future studies needed establish correlation test results real-world scenario.