The Textile Matrix: Modeling, Measuring, and Mitigating Textile Microfiber Pollution

In The Textile Matrix: Modeling, Measuring, and Mitigating Textile Microfiber Pollution, Dr. Damon Rahimi Fard delivers a rigorous engineering analysis of one of the most significant yet under-addressed sources of microplastic contamination: synthetic textiles. The book examines how fiber and yarn structure govern microfiber release across the full product lifecycle — from manufacturing and domestic laundering to environmental transport and human exposure. Bridging civil engineering, polymer science, materials mechanics, and environmental molecular dynamics, it provides both quantitative diagnostic tools and practical design pathways for reducing emissions at source. Key Topics Covered: Transport & Fate: Aquatic dynamics, biofouling-mediated vertical flux, atmospheric dispersal, and indoor exposure pathways. The Domestic Emission Engine: Two-phase kinetic models of fiber release, thermal plasticization, surfactant dynamics, and tumble-dryer aerosolization. Somatic Infiltration & Toxicity: Particle translocation across biological barriers, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lysosomal rupture, and "Trojan Horse" chemical vector effects. Analytical Diagnostics: High-resolution vibrational spectroscopy (Micro-FTIR, Raman), thermal mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC-MS), and automated GEPARD pipelines with AI-driven taxonomy. Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD): Yarn friction mechanics, low-shedding continuous filament architectures, next-generation biopolymers (PHAs, PLA, Lyocell), and bio-based surface coatings. Circularity & Governance: Molecular depolymerization, Digital Product Passports (DPPs), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and global trade frameworks.