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Surface Modification of Polyesters Using Biosourced Soil-Release Polymers

Starck, Matthieu; Fiandra, Emanuella F.; Binks, Josephine; Si, Gang; Chilton, Ruth; Sivik, Mark; Thompson, Richard L.; Li, Jing; Wilson, Mark R.; Mahon, Clare S.

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Authors

Elle Fiandra emanuella.fiandra@durham.ac.uk
PGR Student Doctor of Philosophy

Gang Si

Ruth Chilton

Mark Sivik

Jing Li jing.li@durham.ac.uk
PGR Student Doctor of Philosophy



Abstract

Soil-release polymers (SRPs) are important components of fabric care formulations, performing important roles in the cleaning of synthetic fabrics. SRPs modify the surface of textiles and render materials resistant to staining, while offering environmental benefits by enabling effective cleaning using shorter, cooler wash cycles. Most SRPs used in formulations contain petroleum-sourced terephthalic acid, limiting the environmental benefits presented by the use of these key additives. Here, we have prepared SRPs using a selection of pyridine dicarboxylate monomers that can be accessed from biomass and assessed their ability to modify polyester surfaces. Interestingly, a wide range of surface deposition behavior was observed, with soil-release performance significantly impacted by the pyridine dicarboxylate component in use. The performance of polymers containing 2,5-pyridine dicarboxylate units exceeded or was comparable to that of current industry-standard SRPs, while polymers constructed using 2,4- or 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylate units displayed poor performance. Through a range of studies including dynamic light scattering, contact angle analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and molecular modeling we have explored the solution and interfacial behavior of SRPs and propose the observed changes in performance to arise from a combination of differences in solution self-assembly and variation in affinities for polyester surfaces. Our work highlights the potential of using biosourced starting materials in the replacement of petroleum-derived polymers within formulated consumer products and presents a rationale for the design of SRPs.

Citation

Starck, M., Fiandra, E. F., Binks, J., Si, G., Chilton, R., Sivik, M., Thompson, R. L., Li, J., Wilson, M. R., & Mahon, C. S. (2025). Surface Modification of Polyesters Using Biosourced Soil-Release Polymers. JACS Au, 5(2), 666-674. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.4c00908

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 28, 2025
Online Publication Date Feb 5, 2025
Publication Date Feb 24, 2025
Deposit Date Feb 25, 2025
Publicly Available Date Feb 25, 2025
Journal JACS Au
Print ISSN 2691-3704
Electronic ISSN 2691-3704
Publisher American Chemical Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 5
Issue 2
Pages 666-674
DOI https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.4c00908
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3516063

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