Role of Experimental Damage Mechanics for the Circular Economy Implementation in Cotton Industries

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the current research was to study the effects of tensile properties of post-consumer cotton fabric on mechanical recycling and shredding. The effect of tensile properties like tensile force, effective tensile force, breaking force, elongation, yield strength on cutting and shredding of cotton textile was measured and demonstrated with literature investigations. In this work, we tried to develop the relationship between tensile testing, subjective assessment, and circular economy. Methods: In this manuscript, the quality of post-consumer textile cotton was evaluated using American society for testing of materials (ASTM) D5034-95-08 grab test and the ASTM D5034-95-06 strip test. The fabric surfaces before and after mechanical testing were explored using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, the subjective assessment was also performed to observe various physical properties at room temperature. Results: The initial scanning electron microscope analysis has proved the damage and distortion in weft and warp directions. The tensile, effective tensile, and breaking force were 86 N, 143 N, and 75 N in the weft direction, and those were 180 N, 227 N, and 170 N in the warp direction. The deformation in terms of the extension was in the range of 10% to 27% in weft and 3% to 8% in warp direction. The scanning electron micrographs after testing confirmed the creation of microfibrils. These microfibrils connect with the fibre core through lignin. Conclusion: Higher tensile, breaking force, and effective tensile force increase the purity and quality of the recycled product. The higher values play a vital role throughout operational steps of recycling for enhancement of performance and tactical properties. However, lower mechanical properties produced operation problems such as tangling, buckling, and mixing, which downgraded the quality and performance of polymer products. Technically, these investigations can add value to the concept of the circular economy.