Abstract
The emission of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from functional textiles was investigated via an outdoor weathering experiment in Sydney, Australia. Polyamide (PA) textile fabrics treated with different water-repellent, side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs) were exposed on a rooftop to multiple natural stressors, including direct sunlight, precipitation, wind, and heat for 6-months. After weathering, additional stress was applied to the fabrics through abrasion and washing. Textile characterization using a multiplatform analytical approach revealed loss of both PFAS-containing textile fragments (e.g., microfibers) as well as formation and loss of low molecular weight PFAS, both of which occurred throughout weathering. These changes were accompanied by a loss of color and water repellency of the textile. The potential formation of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from mobile residuals was quantified by oxidative conversion of extracts from unweathered textiles. Each SFP-textile finish emitted a distinct PFAA pattern following weathering, and in some cases the concentrations exceeded regulatory limits for textiles. In addition to transformation of residual low molecular weight PFAA-precursors, release of polymeric PFAS from degradation and loss of textile fibers/particles contributed to overall PFAS emissions during weathering.
Highlights
Functional textiles designed for outdoor activities[1] or personal protective equipment[2,3] are used throughout modern society
Functional textiles are subjected to considerable physical stress from sunlight, abrasion, precipitation, temperature changes, and chemicals in urban air.[8]
Fabric impregnations of modern outdoor garments and equipment are based on textile finishes often applied as durable water repellent (DWR) coatings based on side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs).[11]
Summary
Functional textiles designed for outdoor activities[1] or personal protective equipment[2,3] are used throughout modern society. Fabric impregnations of modern outdoor garments and equipment are based on textile finishes often applied as durable water repellent (DWR) coatings based on side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs).[11] SFPs typically consist of fluorinated alkyl side chains of different chain lengths bound to nonfluorinated polymer backbones.[12] The fluorinated alkyl side-chain constitutes the functional unit of the polymer
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