The coating acts as a shield that prevents dirt and microorganisms from clinging to the fibers, allowing you to wash clothes without detergent.
A team of researchers in China has developed a innovative coating for fabrics which could transform the way we wash clothes, eliminating the need for detergents and drastically reducing water consumption and environmental pollution.
O, published in the magazine Communications Chemistryproposes an alternative to traditional washing, which currently requires large amounts of water and chemicals. Even though modern washing machines are more efficient, they continue to require multiple rinsing cycles to remove detergents, contributing to the production of wastewater and the release of microplastics into ecosystems.
The new solution does not involve the creation of a more sustainable detergent, but rather a special coating applied directly to the fabrics. The team led by Chongling Chengyes Southeast Universitydeveloped a technique that uses two polymers with opposite charges to form a microscopic layer of hydration on the surface of the fabric.
This “invisible shield” attracts and retains water molecules, creating a barrier that prevents dirtoils and even microorganisms from adhering to the fibers. As a result, stains can be removed with just a simple rinse under running water, without the need for detergents.
In the tests carried out, the researchers applied the coating to fabrics such as cotton, silk and polyester, subjecting them to tough stains like soy sauceketchup and engine oil. After a single rinse cycle with water, the stains disappeared, with results comparable to or superior to those obtained with conventional washing using detergents and multiple cycles.
In addition to cleaning effectiveness, the coating has demonstrated the ability to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungialso contributing to the elimination of odors. Another significant benefit is the reduction in the release of microplastics, as the absence of detergents reduces the degradation of synthetic fibers during washing.
Researchers estimate that this method can reduce water, energy and time consumption by around 82%says . The coating also showed high durability in the laboratory, resisting dozens of washes, folds and abrasion.
Despite the potential, the technology is not yet commercially available. There are also some concerns, namely regarding the impact on the recycling of treated fabrics and the coating’s resistance to abrasive particles, such as sand.
Still, this innovation paves the way for a possible revolution in the textile industry and domestic habits.
