microfibres
Minuscule synthetic strands
Microfibres are tiny synthetic fibre fragments, typically less than 5 millimetres long, shed from textiles during washing and wear.
Most come from polyester, nylon, and acrylic fabrics.
These particles enter waterways through washing machine drainage and have become a significant source of microplastic pollution in oceans and freshwater systems.
Also spelled microfibers.
Sub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
- sheddingLosing outer covering
- oceanMassive saltwater body
- waterwaysNavigable bodies for transport
- marineRelating to the sea
ingestion · bioaccumulation · washing · laundry · runoff · synthetic · non-biodegradable · environmental
Synthetic petroleum-based fabric
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- polyamidePolymer linked by amide bonds
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- weaveInterlace strands into fabric
knit · blend · denier · filament · yarn · thread · texturized · woven
Woven or knit material
- clothWoven or knit material
- sportswearClothing for exercise
- activewearExercise-appropriate clothing
- towelsCloths for drying
bedding · upholstery · apparel · moisture-wicking · breathable · lightweight · soft · drapery
Able to soak up
- lint-freeReleasing no loose fibers
- dustingRemoving surface grime
- polishingSmoothing by friction
- clothsPieces of woven material
wipes · streak-free · nonabrasive · reusable · eco-friendly · mops · scrubbing · housekeeping
Thin tissue sheet
- filterPorous separation device
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
- HEPAStrict air filtration standard
- porosityVoid space density
mesh · contaminants · trapping · permeability · cartridge · dust · pollen · efficiency
microplastics
Sub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
marine · ingestion · bioaccumulation · washing · laundry · runoff · synthetic · non-biodegradable · environmental · aquatic
polyester
Synthetic petroleum-based fabric
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- polyamidePolymer linked by amide bonds
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
weave · knit · blend · denier · filament · yarn · thread · texturized · woven · nonwoven
fabric
Woven or knit material
- clothWoven or knit material
- sportswearClothing for exercise
- activewearExercise-appropriate clothing
towels · bedding · upholstery · apparel · moisture-wicking · breathable · lightweight · soft · drapery · fleece
absorbent
Able to soak up
cloths · wipes · streak-free · nonabrasive · reusable · eco-friendly · mops · scrubbing · housekeeping · janitorial
membrane
Thin tissue sheet
- filterPorous separation device
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
- HEPAStrict air filtration standard
porosity · mesh · contaminants · trapping · permeability · cartridge · dust · pollen · efficiency · breathable