AAAR 35th Annual Conference October 17 - October 21, 2016 Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon, USA
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Characterization of Particle Release from Nanotechnology-enabled Clothing Products
LEONARDO CALDERÓN, Letao Yang, Jin Young Shin, Kibum Lee, Gediminas Mainelis, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Abstract Number: 446 Working Group: Nanoparticles and Materials Synthesis
Abstract The textile industry has been using nanotechnology over 30 years, including the addition of manufactured nanoparticles into clothing items. While studies have shown that nanomaterials have potentially negative effects on human health, new nanotechnology-enabled products continue to enter the market without fully understanding the particle properties to which consumers may be exposed during product use.
This research evaluated potential consumer exposure to nanoparticles via inhalation. Particle release was measured during simulated clothing wear. Metal concentrations, morphology of emitted particles as well as effects of washing on particle release have also been examined.
Eighteen nanotechnology clothing items, including those with incorporated silver nanoparticles, were selected due to their hydrophobicity and antibacterial characteristics. A test system was built to create friction between the rotating clothing samples and felt abrader wheels. Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) and Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) determined size distribution and concentration of the particles emitted, new and washed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) examined the shape and agglomeration of particles, either captured from airborne state using an electrostatic precipitator or shredded into a liquid medium. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed to detect metals.
We observed that all products released nanoparticles due to friction and abrasion. Over a 50 minute period, a new product NSF18 emitted 7x10$^7 particles ranging in electrical mobility diameter from 4.45 to 168.5 nm, and its Ag content was 5x10$^6 micro-gram/kg. After washing, its particle emissions were to 8x10$^7 over 50 min and Ag content was 4x10$^6 micro-gram/kg. A brand new product NSF12 emitted 2x10$^5 particles over 50 min ranging in electrical mobility diameter from 523 nm to 19.80 micro-meter and its Ag content was 4x10$^7 micro-gram/kg. After washing, its particle emissions were to 9x10$^4 over 50 min and Ag content was 1x10$^9 micro-gram/kg. Generally, washing decreased particle emissions.