Designing a system for examining microplastic release in fabrics made from recycled materials

Program:

Materials Science and Engineering

Project Description:

The goal of this study is to examine the extent of microplastic release from recycled synthetic textile fibers in domestic washing processes. A portable washer will be used to understand the phenomena across a wide variety of users. A specially developed filter will allow for rigorous examination of the extent of microfiber shedding in synthetic fabric samples. Recycled polypropylene fabric will be the examined specimen; virgin polypropylene will be used as the control. The aim will be to determine whether recycled materials are a factor in microplastic release.

Team Members

Project Mentors, Sponsors, and Partners

  • Dr. Orla Wilson

  • Lauren Choi

Course Faculty

Project Links

Additional Project Information

Project Photo

Project Photo Caption:

Left to right: Arsema Gossaye, Cristina de Jong, Will Rong, Will Shiber. Not pictured: Helena Brew.

Project Video