Nanofiber-Based Biodegradable Textiles for Decreased Microfiber Pollution

Microfiber pollution presents a global ecological problem. Microfibers which shed from production, laundry and disposal of textiles account for 2.2 million tons of marine pollution yearly. Current solutions to reduce microfiber pollution at the consumer level are labor-intensive and expensive. Materic Group presents fast-biodegrading and scalable sub-micron fibers for use as a replacement to conventional textile yarn. Such fibers biodegrade in soil, compost, and marine environments at ten times the speed of conventional microfibers. By reducing diameter and increasing outer surface area of fibers shed from textiles, biodegradation time upon environmental release is drastically expedited. The presence of polluting fibers in ecosystems can thus be decreased. These results are achieved through needleless electrospinning, a process for manufacturing nonwoven nanofiber mats at production rates of up to 5,000 m² per day. By slitting and twisting the material using conventional yarn production processes, we produce nanofiber yarn that is comfortable and durable like a conventional textile, but biodegrades rapidly upon environmental release. Structure property relationships, processing, and biodegradability will be discussed for PBAT, PCL and PLA nanofibers. Design considerations for sustainable sourcing, enhanced biodegradability, and durability will be assessed compared to properties needed for textile applications. We will discuss possibilities for compounding biodegradable materials with existing polymers for enhanced degradation and performance as well.