Recycled Polyester Fibers Research Articles

Effect of recycled polyester fiber reinforcement on the mechanical behavior and microstructure of red mud-improved volcanic ash

Effect of recycled polyester fiber reinforcement on the mechanical behavior and microstructure of red mud-improved volcanic ash

Transforming recycled polyester/cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fibers into dye-free and eco-friendly denim fabrics: Preparation, properties evaluation, and feasibility analysis

Conventional denim production is plagued by the issue of wastewater pollution from warp dyeing. In this investigation, recycled cotton (R-CO), virgin cotton (V-CO), and dope-dyed recycled polyester (R-PET) fibers were spun into blue/white spaced warp yarns through a dual-feed-opening rotor spinning technique. These yarns were woven with V-CO weft yarns to produce fabrics featuring the classic denim color scheme of blue and white stripes, without the need for warp dyeing and complex finishing processes. The resulting fabrics fulfilled industry standards for tensile strength (>600 N), tearing resistance (>50 N), abrasion resistance (>25000 cycles), pH (≈6.5), and formaldehyde content (<10 mg/kg). The fabrics' air/moisture permeability and wearability (including crease-resistance, flexibility, drapability, and washing size stability) were outstanding. The fabrics' light and crocking colorfastness ratings all exceed grade 4, indicating excellent performance. A rise in R-CO content resulted in the degradation of several properties. The production of the denim covered by this study was more cost-effective and environment-friendly than that of conventional denim. This research provides a paradigm for the conversion of waste textiles into value-added and eco-friendly textile products.

Nonwoven from recycled polyester fibers for thermal insulation applications

The building sector is one of the segments that most contribute to energy consumption because of the use of heating and cooling to ensure a thermally comfortable environment. Thermal insulation is a simple alternative to reduce this consumption, but the search for sustainable and efficient materials and structures is ongoing. Therefore, this study aimed to develop nonwoven in an industrial scale by dry-laid carding using polyester fibers (PES) and recycled fibers from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles. The influence of replacing PES fibers in a standard formulation with solid recycled fibers and siliconized fiber in different proportions (20 and 40%) was evaluated. Nonwoven samples were evaluated regarding thermal conductivity, air permeability, thermogravimetry, and burning characteristics. It was evidenced that the use of 40% recycled fiber and 20% and 40% siliconized fiber significantly reduced the thermal conductivity and air permeability of the samples. Nonwoven samples with siliconized fibers, however, showed a burning behavior with smoke generation and fire droplets. In general, the present study demonstrated that the use of 40% recycled PET fiber contributed to the improvement of the thermal insulation of nonwoven samples and is promising for more sustainable textile applications in technical textiles, specifically in the building sector.

Performance Properties of Swimwear Fabrics Produced from Polyester and Recycled Polyester Fiber

The textile industry is responsible for producing a significant amount of global CO2 emission, which is the biggest contributor to global warming and climate change. Researchers have focused on reducing greenhouse gas emission by recycling textile materials rather than producing new fibers through circular economy approaches. Using recycled fibers or blending new fibers with recycled fibers is becoming an essential approach to strike a balance between textile quality and sustainability. In this study, swimwear fabrics made of 100% polyester, and 50% polyester-50% recycled polyester fiber were investigated in terms of their performance properties including color fastness, abrasion resistance, and seam strength. This study will provide a better understanding of the effect of the polyester fiber and recycled polyester fiber combination on the performance/quality properties of swimwear fabrics.

The effect of recycled fiber content on performance/quality properties of swimwear fabrics

Due to the decrease in natural resources all over the world and the increase in global CO2 emissions, which make the biggest contribution to global warming and climate change, the use of recycled materials has gained great importance in the textile industry, as in other application areas. Reducing the use of new raw materials and producing products from old raw materials not only minimizes environmental impacts such as lower CO2 emissions during the landfilling, reduced consumption of natural resources, reduced waste disposal, but also reduces costs and provides a longer product life. This study investigates the effect of recycled polyester fiber on the performance/quality properties of swimwear fabrics. Swimwear fabric samples were produced from 100% recycled polyester, 50% recycled polyester/50% polyamide, 100% polyester and 100% polyamide, and tested in terms of bursting strength, seam strength, abrasion resistance, air permeability and color fastness properties.

Recycled polyester fiber reinforcing red mud-improved volcanic ash as a sustainable construction material

Recycling waste for soil improvement is a cost-effective strategy to mitigate the energy consumption and carbon emission of traditional stabilization materials (cement, lime, etc.). This paper proposes an eco-friendly geotechnical improvement using recycled polyester fiber (RPF) and red mud to synergistically reinforce volcanic ash. For red mud -reinforced volcanic ash (RV) with five different RPF contents, a series of mechanical tests, water stability tests, microstructure tests and environmental impact tests were performed. Results show that RPF can significantly improve the mechanical performance and water stability of RV. The reinforcement increases with increasing RPF content, and the optimum contents of RPF is 0.9%. For specimens with optimum RPF incorporation, Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), splitting tensile strength are increased by 122%, 180%, respectively. It also allows saturated soil to still maintain higher UCS and the soil does not completely disintegrate in submerged environment. The pH value and toxicity leaching indicators of specimens both satisfy the specification limits and therefore the material has no environmental hazard. TGA, FT-IR and SEM-EDS indicate that the reinforcement mechanism of RPF on RV derives mainly from fiber-matrix interactions, including interface bonding, bridging effect and limiting micro-cracks development. RPF reinforced RV presents favorable engineering performance as a sustainable construction material and can contribute to the win-win objective of environmental conservation and waste recycling. This low-carbon and sustainable soil improvement technology can serve and guide the design of geotechnical engineering in volcanic areas.

Surface Modification of Recycled Polyester Fiber and Performance Evaluation of Its Asphalt Mastic and Mixture

The use of recycled polyester fiber (Re-PET) partially addresses the scarcity of non-renewable polyester (PET), but its thermal resistance in asphalt mixtures is relatively low. To enhance the reutilization and thermal resistance of Re-PET, it was modified through in situ growth grafting with tetrahedral nanoSiO2. A novel nanoSiO2 hybrid material (SiO2/Re-PET) was successfully prepared, and the effects of the surface modification on the morphology and thermal resistance of the Re-PET were investigated with the examination of its mechanism of modification. The results demonstrated an increase in the surface roughness and specific surface area of SiO2/Re-PET, as well as a higher melting point and structural stability compared to Re-PET. Subsequently, Re-PET and SiO2/Re-PET asphalt mastics under a filler–asphalt ratio of 1.0 were prepared, and their classical and rheological properties were investigated and compared. The results indicated an increase in the softening point and shear strength of SiO2/Re-PET asphalt mastic, as well as a significant improvement in its high-temperature performance. Furthermore, subsequent pavement performance tests revealed a significant improvement in the performance of SiO2/Re-PET asphalt mixtures compared to Re-PET asphalt mixtures. Consequently, the findings of this research promote the recycling of Re-PET, ultimately advocating for the sustainability of pavement construction.

Study on the Comfort Properties of Knitted Fabrics Produced from Conventional and Sustainable Cotton and Polyester Fibres

Recently, the production of organic fibres and the recycling of textile waste have become essential global issues due to the decrease in non-renewable resources and the increase in disposal costs. The aim of this work was to identify changes in the properties of single jersey knitwear produced from conventional and sustainable fibres after 20 washes. The samples were knitted from different conventional and sustainable yarns. The selected conventional fibres were 100% cotton, 50% cotton-50% polyester and 100% polyester, while the sustainable fibres were 100% better cotton, 100% recycled polyester, and 50% organic cotton-50% recycled polyester. Measurements were taken before and after 20 washes according to the relevant standards. It was found that fabric produced from 100% recycled polyester is suitable for active sportswear due to its high air permeability, and resistance to heat and water vapor. In addition, the fabric with 50% organic cotton-50% recycled polyester fibres was more suitable for cold environmental conditions due to its lowest water vapor resistance, good air permeability and high thermal resistance.

Advancements in the Evolution of Engineering Characteristics and Reinforcement Technologies for Subgrade Silt.

Technical challenges associated with the treatment of silt subgrades frequently arise in coastal and river delta areas. Given the importance of environmental sustainability, the selection of efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly techniques for silt subgrade stabilization is paramount. While recycled polyester fibers primarily sourced from discarded polyester bottles have not yet been systematically employed in silt subgrade reinforcement, their potential is considerable. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the microstructural, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of silt, summarizing prior advancements in silt stabilization methodologies. Building upon this foundation, we introduce a novel approach utilizing recycled polyester fibers for silt subgrade improvement, outlining both its application prospects and challenges, which require further investigation. The findings of this study serve as a robust scientific foundation for the broader adoption and engineering implementation of this technology.

Dynamic characteristics and reinforcement mechanism of silty soil improved by regenerated fiber polymer

The development of economical and efficient roadbed silt reinforcement technology not only guides the proficient utilization of silt resources but also fosters the green development of geotechnical engineering construction. Ensuring the robust dynamic stability of the roadbed is pivotal for the safe operation of vehicular traffic. In this context, employing recycled polyester fibers and inorganic curing agents, this paper leverages dynamic triaxial testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods to scrutinize the dynamic characteristics and microscopic mechanisms of recycled fiber polymer modified roadbed silt. The findings indicate that: (1) with a fiber content of 0.2%, the fiber-modified soil sample exhibits minimal damage, maximal dynamic strength and dynamic elastic modulus, and optimum resilience to dynamic loads; (2) akin to fiber-reinforced sand, an elevation in confining pressure can induce the creation of a quasi-cohesive force in fiber-reinforced soil, equivalently enhancing the confining pressure and thereby amplifying its strength; and (3) the surfaces of microparticles in the enhanced soil structure are enveloped with cementitious substances, while smaller soil particles coalesce to form aggregates that fill inter-particle pores, cultivating a denser and more stable improved soil structure and augmenting the dynamic characteristics of the improvement investment.

Life cycle assessment and circularity of polyethylene terephthalate bottles via closed and open loop recycling

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling is considered as one of the key approaches to achieving the circular economy (CE) of plastic waste. Bottle-to-Bottle and Bottle-to-Fiber recycling were assessed using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Material Circularity Indicator (MCI). Three allocation methods (i.e., substitution, recycled content, and economic allocation) were used to deal with the recycling system. Producing bottle-grade PET resin and polyester fiber from PET bottle waste can reduce environmental impacts for most midpoint impact categories (e.g., 60% greenhouse gas emissions reduction and 85% fossil resource scarcity reduction). At the endpoint level, the damages to resources, ecosystem quality, and human health of the recycled PET bottles derived from Bottle-to-Bottle recycling were less than virgin PET bottles when using the substitution and recycled content methods. When using the economic allocation method, the final LCA findings highly depended on the recycled content used to produce the PET bottles. On the other hand, regardless of the allocation method used, recycled polyester fiber derived from Bottle-to-Fiber recycling caused less environmental damages than virgin polyester fiber. The MCI scores of Bottle-to-Bottle recycling in the baseline scenarios range between 0.20 and 0.31, whereas the MCI scores of the expected scenario in the future show a higher level of material circularity (0.55–0.60) as a result of 100% collection rate for recycling of PET bottles and the use of recycled PET as a feedstock. Therefore, higher collection rates and recycled content support Bottle-to-Bottle recycling. On the other hand, the MCI score of Bottle-to-Fiber recycling in the baseline scenario is 0.52. This high score resulted from the use of 100% recycled PET as a feedstock of polyester fiber. Recycling polyester fiber at the end-of-life could further increase the MCI to almost 0.7. However, to keep the materials at their highest quality and value, Bottle-to-Bottle recycling should be the preferred option.

Reinforcing mechanically reclaimed polyurethane foam wastes‐based elastomer with modified recycled polyester fibers

AbstractPolyurethane foams are widely used in daily life due to their superior performance. However, it is very challenging to recycle and reuse waste polyurethane foams since the three‐dimensional crosslinking network structure makes them non‐melting and insoluble. In this work, a low‐cost, green, room‐temperature solid‐state shear milling method is proposed to break the cross‐linking bonds of waste polyurethane foam (crosslinking density decreases from 0.768 to 0.489 mol dm−3). The recycled polyurethane (RPU) powders regain their thermoplastic processability. Recycled waste polyester (PET) fibers are modified through plasma treatment and used as reinforcing fillers for the reprocessed RPU elastomer. Compared to original PET fibers, modified polyester (m‐PET) fibers construct strong interfacial interactions and physical interlocks with RPU matrix, leading to significantly enhanced mechanical properties. Molecular dynamics studies demonstrate that RPU/m‐PET composites have higher cohesive energy density and lower free volume, and significantly improved compatibility, which greatly promotes stress dissipation upon stretching. This study provides a feasible strategy for the high‐value recycling of waste polymer materials.

Optimization of the Tencel/Cotton and Polyester/Recycled Polyester Blended Knitted Fabrics to Replace CVC Fabric

ABSTRACT In this work, 10 yarn samples were prepared through ring spinning with different ratios of Tencel, cotton, polyester, and recycled polyester fibers. These yarns were converted into knitted fabrics by a sample knitting machine, and their mechanical and comfort properties were investigated. The mechanical tests were comprised of bursting strength and pilling tests, whereas tests of comfort properties included air permeability, water vapor permeability, and thermal resistance. It is found that the fibers of Tencel/cotton and virgin polyester/recycled polyester with blended ratios of 40/20 and 20/20, respectively, give better mechanical and comfort properties than other blended ratios and the “chief value cotton” (CVC) (60:40) blend. CVC (60:40) is a conventional blend comprising 60% cotton and 40% virgin polyester that is being used for summer clothing. Therefore, by analyzing statistically and comparing different blends, it is established that Tencel/cotton and virgin polyester/recycled polyester with blended ratios of 40/20 and 20/20, respectively, not only offer better mechanical and comfort properties, but the consumption of unsustainable virgin polyester and cotton fibers can also be decreased by 60%.

Study on heat exchangers and industrial absorption column for drying polyethylene terephthalate

This study proposes the use of mass balance and the method of McCabe-Thiele in the absorption column for the removal of drying air humidity with ethylene glycol and energy balances in heat exchangers for the determination of the optimum operating conditions of a factory to produce recycled polyester fibers from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes. The evaluation of these machines involved the combination of variables such as temperature, flow rate, specific heat, and operational efficiency to guarantee the correct adjustment of the physicochemical properties of the fluids and materials of the process. The efficiency of the absorption column was determined at 25%, and a diagram correlating ethylene glycol humidity, the dew point of the drying air, and the efficiency of humidity removal from the PET flake dryer were constructed to define what is the most appropriate configuration for operation. By the graph curves, it was found that the humidity of ethylene glycol for absorption should be inferior to 1% (w/w) to guarantee a dew point &lt; -27?C at 175?C of the drying air introduced in the dryer, which would finally promote a removal with efficiency superior to 91% of the PET flake humidity for values &lt; 0.005% (w/w).

Immobilization of chalcone chemosensor into plasma-pretreated recycled polyester fibers toward multi-stimuli responsive textiles for detection of ammonia

Polyester fibers were applied in different fields, including automotives, plastic furniture, packaging, and medical devices. This can be attributed to its low-cost, good resistant to moisture and chemicals, good resistance to electricity and fatigue, easily repaired from damages, fade-resistant, high flexural and impact strength, and easy manufacturability. However, polyester fibers are inherently stain resistant as they have no active dye sites. Thus, it is impossible to dye polyester after extrusion. Herein, we report the development of novel strategy to produce multichromic polyester textiles by plasma-assisted dyeing with novel chalcone chemosensor disperse dyestuff. Thin layer of chalcone probe was incorporated onto the polyester fiber surface after plasma activation, which creates active dye sites on the fiber surface. Novel hydrazonotriazole chemosensor was synthesized by reflux a mixture of 1, 2, 3-triazole and hydrazine derivatives. Hydrochloric acid was employed as a catalytic agent, whereas absolute ethanol was used as a solvent. Various methods were utilized to prove the structure of the synthesized chemosensor, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The findings indicated that the hydrazonotriazole-dyed polyester (HPET) fibers exhibited satisfactory colorfastness properties, UV protection and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the dyed polyester fibers demonstrated high importance to build up portable device for onsite colorimetric determination of gaseous and aqueous ammonia, which has been able to cause damages to man organs and even death. The hydrazone group can selectively detect ammonia over other alkaline substances. The limit of detection of the dyed polyester fibers ranged between 5 and 150 ppb of aqueous ammonia, displaying a color switch from yellow (435 nm) to blue (584 nm) as proved by CIE Lab parameters, absorption spectra and color strength (K/S). The dye particle exhibited diameters in the range of 33–86 nm, whereas polyester fibers exhibited a fiber diameter of 75–125 μm, indicating high porosity and large surface area.

Bending behavior of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) with different recycled and virgin polymer fibers

This study evaluated Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polypropylene (PP) or recycled polyester (POL) fibers inserted in a matrix with elevated silica fume content. Several PP (2.2–2.6%) and POL (2.3–2.7%) contents were tested and compared to a compound containing 2.0% PVA. Flexural bending strength tests, the bending rupture modulus, number and width of cracks and deformation were measured at 5 different curing ages (7, 14, 28, 56 e 84 days). The test results also showed that in the fresh state, ECCPVA2.0 presented the best result with an average spread of 255 mm, followed by ECCPP2.4 and ECCPOL2.3. All Γ values obtained confirmed that all composites attained plastic consistency. In the hardened state, composites with POL fibers had tensile strength performance similar to PVA fibers with regards to deformation, deflection, rupture modulus, average crack width and number of cracks. In addition, ECCPOL2.7 demonstrated mechanical properties superior to ECCPVA2.0. So, the use of 2.7% POL content resulted in strengths higher than the reference PVA compound and demonstrated the potential of POL fibers in ECC development at ages over 28 days. The use of recycled POL fibers, at a content of 2.7%, resulted in an increase in the ductility of the composite, reaching the values of ECC-PVA at 28 and 84 days. On the other hand, PP composites did not present the expected behavior of an ECC. More specifically, the matrix had high tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and tenacity, which limited crack formation and overloaded the reinforcement fibers. Thus, PP fibers were deemed incompatible for ECCs with rich matrices.

Recycled Polyester and Cotton Blended Siro Spun Yarns and Fabrics: A Sustainable and Eco-friendly Approach

ABSTRACT In this paper, we report the comparison of physical properties of 19.68 Tex (30 Nec)/1 Siro spun yarns and fabrics manufactured from 100% cotton, virgin polyester, and recycled polyester in 50:50 blend ratio with cotton fibers. Tensile analysis revealed that recycled polyester-cotton siro spun yarns exhibited comparable tensile strength to the virgin polyester-cotton yarns. The evenness and structural uniformity of the recycled polyester-cotton yarn was also equivalent to the polyester-cotton siro spun yarns. Plain weave (1/1) fabrics were manufactured from the obtained yarns. Recycled polyester-cotton blended fabrics depicted comparable tensile, tear, and ball bursting strength to the virgin polyester-cotton blended fabrics, and exhibited better wettability, air permeability, and were less prone to pilling when compared with the polyester-cotton blended fabrics. Recycled polyester-cotton fabrics also exhibited good drape properties and less shear stiffness in the Kawabata analysis when compared to their counterparts. Based on the results obtained, it may be safely concluded that the recycled polyester fibers can be used as an alternative to virgin polyester fibers in siro spun medium-count yarns and consequent fabrics.

Shear strength of clayey sand treated by nanoclay mixed with recycled polyester fiber

Shear strength of clayey sand treated by nanoclay mixed with recycled polyester fiber

Life cycle assessment for PET-bottle recycling in Brazil: B2B and B2F routes

This study carried out the “cradle to the gate” Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of two Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling routes in a Brazilian context: 1) production of Post-Consumer Recycled PET (PET-PCR) by the bottle-to-bottle (B2B) process; 2) production of Recycled Polyester Fiber by the bottle-to-fiber (B2F) process. Primary data are all real data from a recycling unit in Minas Gerais State, Brazil – a highlight of this work; secondary data were given from the literature and LCA databases. The environmental impact indicators evaluated were: Global Warming Potential (GWP), Abiotic Resource Depletion (ARD), Terrestrial Acidification, Water Scarcity, Ozone Depletion Potential and Freshwater Ecotoxicity. Methodologies recommended for the Brazilian context were used for the impact assessment. A comparison between B2B and B2F was done: in five of the seven categories evaluated, B2F had a greater environmental potential impact; however, both show a lower impact than virgin PET. Related to similar products, results were compared with those of studies for other regions, for GWP and ARD, fossil, transportation characteristics such as average distance and load, resulting in impacts of the same order except when only transportation is analyzed. Environmental hotspots were related to diesel consumption in bottle logistics, and to the consumption of natural gas and electricity in industrial recycling processes. Improvement opportunities were identified, and proposals were discussed. The impact on changing bottle logistics was achieved by resizing PET-bottle bales, using more appropriate vehicles, and adopting transport distances compatible with international practice. • First Life Cycle Assessment of PET recycling in Latin America, resin and fiber. • Actual consumption and performance data from a PET Recycling Unit in Brazil. • Complementary routes for recycled PET bottles: textile and packaging. • Assessment potentials for minimizing impacts of recycled PET. • Logistics: the biggest obstacle for recycling in Brazil.

Optimizing bursting behavior of calendered needle-punched polyester fabrics

In the present study, two sets (I and II) of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics using virgin and recycled polyester fibers were prepared varying machine parameters. In the set first (set I) three different parameters namely grams/m2 (GSM), needling density and blend ratio with three different levels and in the second set (set II) three different parameters, i.e. calender roller pressure, calender roller temperature and calender roller speed with three different levels were used. For the first set fabrics, it has been seen that the bursting strength increased with the increase in GSM, needling density as well increased virgin polyester fiber in the blend. In the second set increase in calender roller pressure, roller temperature caused increase in bursting strength, but with the increase in roller speed it decreased. The comparison of both sets fabric revealed that set II fabric formation is economical since there is less consumption of polyester fibers. The investigation of two arrangements of fabrics uncovers that legal choice of calendering parameters may result economical nonwoven fabrics by requiring lesser fibrous strands for the assembling of needle bonded fabrics, moreover it will lessen the contamination by using the waste polyester bottles additionally the reliance on normal oil-based virgin polyester will be reduced.