Textile Residues Research Articles

Investigating the utilization of oxidized textile residue as a strengthening substance in the composition of subgrade soil for pavement construction

<p>The textile industry, vital in the country's industrialization and playing a crucial role in the national economy, generates solid byproducts known as textile sludge. Integrating waste into stabilized soils, along with textile sludge (TS), fly ash (FA), and asphalt additives, offers scientific, economic and sustainability benefits. This study aimed to examine the subsurface solidification technique employing sludge and two supplement additives (asphalt and fly ash additive) implemented on pavement groundwork and supporting layers. The research involved characterization tests and physical soil stabilization with TS and stabilizers (fly ash, and asphalt) at proportions of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% as soil additives, which were carried out experimentally. The test results highlighted the potential application of soil-textile sludge mixtures in pavement strata (support and subgrade). The inclusion of fly ash has been proven to be the most effective method for chemically stabilizing the sludge. The maximum dry density was achieved with soil containing 10% textile sludge, supplemented with 15% fly ash. This resulted in a notable increase in UCS value from 235 kN/m2 to 242 kN/m2 and an improvement in CBR value from 4.1% to 9.12%. Furthermore, the addition of 5% bitumen further enhanced the UCS value, reaching 451 kN/m2 and significantly increased the CBR value to 21.6%. Stabilizing textile sludge offers significant environmental benefits by mitigating issues associated with improper waste disposal.</p>

From circular to square‐based section spouted beds: Scale‐up and design overview of a multistage thermal unit

AbstractThis work summarizes the results of several research projects to demonstrate the possibility of scaling‐up spouted beds by assembling a number of square‐based jet units. Cylindrical vessels with a bottom cone and parallelepiped ones with a frustum base do not differ to a large extent in terms of hydrodynamic features. The existing correlations can be used to predict these square‐based spouted beds. Spouted beds can be very reasonably described as well‐mixed reactors. By assembling several units, it is possible to approach a plug flow state for solids residence time distribution (RTD) in continuous processes. Spouting stability is fully reached when the modules do not interfere each other: this goal is obtained by positioning the downstream units at a certain lower level and having the solids move by overflow; placing internal vertical baffles between contiguous units is the solution. Two hydrodynamical models are proposed to describe single and multiple spouted beds; their predictions help in choosing the best geometrical configuration for the assemblage. A possible application of a multiple spouted bed reactor was envisaged for gasifying pelletized textile residues to generate syngas which can be directly used in situ as a co‐fuel. Two units were built: a single 0.2 m side square‐based spouted bed furnace and the consequent dual stage scale‐up apparatus suitable for an auto thermal process. In the bottom stage, four units work independently to run combustion/gasification of low‐quality solid residues, while the upper stage had a cascade of four modules to run pyrolysis/gasification of selected biomass and obtain valuable secondary products.

Influence of acid hydrolysis on the degree of polymerization of cellulose from colored cotton substrates

This study investigated the influence of sulfuric acid hydrolysis on the cellulosic fibers and films’ degree of polymerization (DP). Cotton textile residues (dyed and white) and hydrophilic cotton were used as the raw material. The films were formed by the dissolution of fibers in ionic liquid and regeneration in water. Results showed that dyed cotton residues required hydrolysis at 0.5 M sulfuric acid for 30 min to achieve complete dissolution during viscosimetry assay. Due to different dyeing processes and chemical compositions, the color of the fibers influences the DP. Undyed samples submitted to hydrolysis had DP around 60% lower than samples without pretreatment. This effect was not observed when comparing films with and without hydrolysis, because the depolymerization occurs in the dissolution and regeneration step. This study expands the applicability of viscometry to colored substrates, serving as a starting point for future research on the impact of process parameters and dyes on cellulose polymerization.

Life cycle assessment of alternatives for industrial textile recycling

The $882 billion textile trade in 2021 poses environmental concerns, highlighting the importance of encouraging a circular economy to attain sustainable textiles. Therefore, policies must prioritize textile recycling, particularly in developing countries, and sharing information throughout the value chain. This research aims to explore the potential environmental benefits of two industrial recycling processes for textile residues versus the traditional waste management and production process through a life cycle assessment applying the ReCiPe method at midpoint and endpoint levels focusing on generating significant data availability and broader assessment than existing literature to support decision making related to recycling systems for textile residues. Results related to the textile residues recycling process to obtain stripes (R1) and replace sawdust, to fill pushing balls, show that it would produce environmental benefits regardless of location in several midpoint categories. Furthermore, regarding the endpoint results, the DALY savings are mainly due to avoiding landfill, while the savings in ecosystem impacts are generated by avoiding landfill and sawdust production. Regarding the recycling process to obtain recycled yarn and fill (R2) net savings in global warming potential are generated if landfill avoidance is considered. Nevertheless, endpoint results show that DALYs of all the avoided processes correspond to 1.5 times the impacts of all the R2 recycling processes, mainly due to avoiding virgin yarn production. Therefore, both recycling processes are recommended. However, some strategies are required to generate greater benefits, such as applying the R2 recycling process as the first option for stretchable textile waste, and after being used, going through the R1 recycling process. In addition, the strategic placement of the R1 recycling facility should be distant from areas of sawdust production. A sensitivity analysis was carried out due to the variability of virgin products to replace in the market.

Textile residue-based mycelium biocomposites from Pleurotus ostreatus

ABSTRACT The research on mycelium-based biocomposites is increasing exponentially, due to their ability to be produced from renewable and sustainable substrates. In this sense, the present investigation explores the ability of Pleurotus ostreatus to grow on textile residues and form mycelium-based biocomposites. The mycelium was able to grow on four types of textile residues including white and coloured cotton and polyester mixtures and acted as a binder between the textile fibres. The growth of fungal mycelium was assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to detect the presence of amides and polysaccharides arising from fungal mycelium and scanning electron microscopy, dry weight and water activity. The compressive strength of textile residue-based biocomposite was also measured and it was found to be between 100 and 270 kPa. Overall, a lightweight biocomposite was obtained which could be a potential alternative for polystyrene-based products. These findings show the ability of the fungus to thrive on polyester plastic in textiles and provide an alternative for converting this plastic material into bio-based materials. Additionally, by varying the mycelium growth, the plasticiser and stiffness properties of the resultant biocomposite can be changed. This research paves the way for the efficient conversion of textile waste into biocomposites as alternatives for plastic packaging products.

Textile waste as a resource for teaching, technology and art

The theme of sustainability in relation to textile production carries several discussions on behalf of awareness and responsibility towards consumer action and the recycling of waste still inevitably generated. In this sense, the culture of fast fashion widely disseminated causes serious problems related to textile disposal, being relevant the opportunities for experimentation and research that present themselves as attempts to minimize the waste problem. Considering this, this work bet on the educational context as an opportune space to unveil knowledge related to sustainable development in the midst of alternative technologies. Thus, textile residues were used as a potential raw material as a pedagogical/artistic resource, being unusual for the students. This experience/life provoked discussions with potential views to the juvenile criticality facing consumption actions, as well as made us reflective about possible educational measures about the theme of waste and its disposal on the Planet. This is an experimental research action with the purpose of answering the hypothesis about the re-signification of textile waste in order to expand the students' repertoire, collaborating with their personal poetics in critical and creative possibilities based on environmental education.

Cotton Weaving Waste Incorporation in PVC Composites

The largest amount of solid waste from the textile industries is mainly derived from fabric manufacturing until the cutting stage: hard fibers (spinning waste), beaming and soft fibers (weaving yarn waste), and off-cuts (cutting process). This research aimed to (i) conduct an exploratory interview with a large Brazilian cotton textile manufacturer to identify its main solid waste and corresponding destinations; and (ii) produce and evaluate PVC composites reinforced with cotton textile residues from the weaving process. Cotton fibrous reinforcements in the proportion of 2.5% (w/w) presented the best results of tensile strength and elongation concerning the others. Briquette residue (2.5%) had better dispersion in the matrix and slightly higher tensile strength when compared to other residues. The composites presented different visual aspects, and their use in fashion products with sustainable appeal could be a viable alternative. Therefore, additional tests should be performed to ensure the appropriate mechanical properties for applications in this and other areas.

Thermo-economic analysis of the potential for electricity generation by integrating a Rankine cycle with municipal solid waste incineration

Municipal Solid Wastes generated by human activities increase as the population grows; in Ocaña city, Norte de Santander, Colombia, these wastes reach a monthly production of about 2660 tons, made up of 65.6% waste food, 15.3% plastics, 9.9% toilet paper, 3.6% paperboard, 2.6% textile residues, 1.6% paper, 0.8% wood wastes, and 0.1% rubber. This work estimates the energy potential from municipal solid wastes for electricity generation and their production costs. A multicriteria decision analysis allowed selecting the best technology for the wastes processing based on their energy content. For the evaluated criteria, the incineration process showed priority. A model developed in the engineering equation solver software allowed calculating the electrical energy potential by integrating the incineration process with a Rankine cycle. By implementing a thermo-economic assessment, the electricity generation costs were determined, where the inversion, installation, operation, and maintenance costs were considered. 1974 KW of electrical power with generation costs of $300/KWh and a payback period of 2.5 years show the feasibility of this process.

Using textile waste as a sustainable alternative to underground irrigation in Brazil’s semi arid region

The problem of water scarcity has been the subject of major discussions in society and among governments. Water is a fundamental resource for the survival of living beings and is becoming increasingly scarce, with projections showing that one in four people on Earth may be suffering from extreme water scarcity by the year 2025. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil in order to maintain adequate moisture for the growth of a given crop. Among the various types of irrigation, underground irrigation is promising for use in regions with water scarcity, since water can be transported directly to the plant roots, with little loss due to surface evaporation, as happens in other types of irrigation, such as sprinkling. Thus, due to this growing water scarcity and excessive use of water by agriculture, and considering the importance of irrigation for the promotion of food and nutritional security of populations, this work presents as an alternative the use of textile waste for an application in agriculture, proposing a sustainable solution for the destination of waste from the fashion industry that are usually dumped in the trash, generating environmental problems. The development of the simple technology of subterranean irrigation based on textile residues, presented here, led to the rational use of water in constructed experimental seedbeds, without apparent damage to the development of crops, which may strengthen family farming and have a significant impact on the economic growth of the region, if the technology is applied in scale. In general, all the experimental field results demonstrated that the devices developed with pieces of synthetic textile waste were able to transport water to distant areas of the soil, keeping it moist at root level and contributing to better growth of the tested plants. In other words, all the devices constructed to enable subterranean textile irrigation by capillarity worked adequately, in a qualitative analysis. The idealized and tested devices have in common the fact that they are grassroot technologies, low cost, easy to build, implement and maintain; simplicity; possibility of mastery of the technology by the beneficiaries themselves; and generators of shared knowledge between the proponents and the beneficiaries. In short, potential generators of social impact for this population that needs inclusive solutions so much.

Insight of silk relics of mineralized preservation in Maoling Mausoleum using two enzyme-linked immunological methods

Mineralized textiles often unearthed along with metal objects, are textile residues in which the fibers are partially or completely replaced by minerals. Some textile fragments with intact fiber shapes but mineralization on the surface of a ring-shaped iron sword, had recently been found from Maoling Mausoleum in Shanxi province, China. In this study, three-dimension microscope, scanning electron microscope-energy disperse spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Raman spectroscopy were used to observe the morphology of fiber and analyze the mineral element information, and two immunology testing techniques would be used to determine whether the textile fragments included the silk protein. The results showed that the hilt string imprint (sample A) was a twill braiding with cinnabar remaining on the surface and the blade textile imprint (sample B) was a tabby fabric, and these fibers were mineralized by iron ions to form a cavity structure. The morphology of sample B was similar to that of mulberry silk with a smooth surface and a triangular cross section. At the same time, silk protein was successfully detected in a few milligrams of sample B using fibroin polyclonal antibody by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence method (IFM). Thus, it can be inferred that the iron sword was covered or wrapped in silk at that time. This research provided a technical support for the identification of silk residues in mineralized textiles, which is of great significance for the study of early organic fabrics.

Growth of seedlings and young plants of coffee in composts of textile industry residues

ABSTRACT The final destination of solid industrial waste is one of the main environmental problems currently facing, due to its potential for contamination. With the evolution of environmental policy and awareness, the proper destination of these wastes is stimulated, seeking new technologies to fulfil the demand for the products generated. One of the solutions to this environmental problem is to use these residues as fertilizers in agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of toxic textile residues as a substrate component of coffee seedlings and as fertilizer in the initial growth of coffee plants. The study was divided into three experiments: production of seedlings, initial growth of potted plants and in the field. In the production of seedlings, the treatments consisted of different proportions of organic compost residues from the textile industry: 0, 4, 8, 16 and 32% and a conventional treatment of seedling production. In pots and in the field, the same treatments were used with organic compound, and a conventional planting treatment. In the three experiments, plant growth and nutritional analyses were performed. The conventional treatment provided better development of the seedlings and the potted and field coffee plants for most of the evaluated parameters. The treatments between 8 and 16% of organic compost showed an acceptable development of coffee plants, demonstrating their potential as fertilizer.

Fashion garment manufacturing – FGM and cyclability theory

This article, derived from an ongoing research, presents the possibilities of reducing the inappropriate disposal of textile residues generated by the fabric cutting sector of the Fashion Garment Manufacturing (FGM). The raw material used is very varied, resulting in a large number of productive processes. FGM produces clothing that has as its main features a short life cycle, a high rate of diversification and differentiation, and small production batches, resulting in few similar parts. The production process is differentiated according to the characteristics of the fabric and the look of the garment. During the production process, at least 10% of textile waste is generated during the cutting process, which is constantly discarded in an inadequate way. The Cyclability theory is researched aiming at the possibility of reduction in the generation of waste and elimination of inappropriate disposal. The case study presents the action research carried out in three small Brazilian companies to study the applicability of the Cyclability theory.

Life cycle design and design management strategies in fashion apparel manufacturing

The generation of solid textile waste in the process of development and clothing production is an error that causes serious damages to the environment and must be minimized. The greatest volume of textile residues is generated by the department of cut, such as textiles parings and snips that are not used in the productive process. (MILAN et al, 2007). One way to conceive new products environmently conscious is turned to the adoption of a methodology based on Life Cycle Design (LCD) and Design Management.

Emerging Concern from Short-Term Textile Leaching: A Preliminary Ecotoxicological Survey.

Textile dyes and their residues gained growing attention worldwide. Textile industry is a strong water consumer potentially releasing xenobiotics from washing and rinsing procedures during finishing processes. On a decentralised basis, also final consumers generate textile waste streams. Thus, a procedure simulating home washing with tap water screened cotton textiles leachates (n = 28) considering physico-chemical (COD, BOD5, and UV absorbance) and ecotoxicological data (Daphnia magna, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Lepidium sativum). Results evidenced that: (i) leachates presented low biodegradability levels; (ii) toxicity in more than half leachates presented slight acute or acute effects; (iii) the remaining leachates presented "no effect" suggesting the use of green dyes/additives, and/or well established finishing processes; (iv) no specific correlations were found between traditional physico-chemical and ecotoxicological data. Further investigations will be necessary to identify textile residues, and their potential interactions with simulated human sweat in order to evidence potential adverse effects on human health.

Characterization of Fibers from Pineapple's Crown, Rice Husks and Cotton Textile Residues

Fibers from pineapple's crown (PCF), rice husks (RH) and cotton textile residues (RTF) were characterized by SEM, X-ray diffraction, FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis. Moisture content, water absorption, density and the distribution of the diameter of the fibers were also evaluated. RTF showed cylindrical microstructure with smooth surface, PCF showed cellular structure and the microstructure of RH is globular, showing cell pattern of the outer surface epidermis which is well organized and has a corrugate structure. PCF and RH showed crystallographic planes of cellulose I and RTF showed a mixture of cellulose I and cellulose II. RTF showed the highest degree of crystallinity and the lower moisture content and water absorption. These results occur because the RTF has no hemicellulose, as verified by FTIR. Comparing the three fibers, the RTF presented the lowest density and diameter. Furthermore, the onset degradation temperature of RTF was 40 °C higher than the PCF and the RH.

Thermoset composites reinforced with recycled cotton textile residues

The recycling of textiles is an issue that requires immediate attention in order to address the management of textiles derived from household waste, as well as scraps generated throughout manufacturing textile processes. The present study aimed to produce composites employing three different types of thermoset resins (epoxy, polyester orthophthalic and polyurethane) reinforced with recycled cotton textile residues on which tensile tests were carried out. The incorporation of 30% (v/v) of textile reinforcement in composites made from the specific epoxy resin employed in the present study showed an increase of approximately 2-fold relative to pure resin tenacity and Young’s modulus (respectively from 0.09 to 0.16 MPa and from 0.5 to 1.2 MPa). For composites made of orthophthalic polyester resin, an increase was observed of 2-fold relative to pure resin tenacity and 3-fold relative to Young’s modulus (respectively from 6.5 to 13.8 MPa and from 193 to 772 MPa). No significant alterations were observed for these parameters in polyurethane resin composites (16 MPa for tenacity and near 700 MPa for Young’s modulus) probably because the modulus value supplied by the fraction of cotton fiber is not as significant as that one from the pure polyurethane resin. Two propositions of fashion accessories were made by employing these composite materials. Also, the artworks of renowned Brazilian designers, namely, Campana Brothers and R. Sobral, were analyzed to develop the artwork of such accessories for the present “documentation process”. Thus in the present study aesthetic and technical aspects are analyzed together covering all production phases of material, processes, creation and design of final product.

Enhanced methane production from wool textile residues by thermal and enzymatic pretreatment

Methane production from two types of wool textile wastes (TW1 and TW2) was investigated. To improve the digestibility of these textiles, different pretreatments were applied, and comprised thermal treatment (at 120°C for 10min), enzymatic hydrolysis (using an alkaline endopeptidase at different levels of enzymatic loading, at 55°C for 0, 2, and 8h), and a combination of these two treatments. Soluble protein concentration and sCOD (soluble chemical oxygen demand) were measured to evaluate the effectivity of the different pretreatment conditions to degrade wool keratin. The sCOD as well as the soluble protein content had increased in both textile samples in comparison to untreated samples, as a response to the different pretreatments indicating breakdown of the wool keratin structure.The combined treatments and the thermal treatments were further evaluated by anaerobic batch digestion assays at 55°C. Combined thermal and enzymatic treatment of TW1 and TW2 resulted in methane productions of 0.43Nm3/kg VS and 0.27Nm3/kg VS, i.e., 20 and 10 times higher yields, respectively, than that gained from untreated samples. The application of thermal treatment by itself was less effective and resulted in increasing the methane production by 10-fold for TW1 and showing no significant improvement for TW2.

Atividade microbiana em solos, influenciada por resíduos de algodão e torta de mamona

A atividade microbiana não se constitui apenas como bom indicador da qualidade do solo, mas é influenciada pela adição de carbono no sistema, o qual serve como substrato aos micro-organismos que aumentam sua atividade e a liberação de CO2, compreendendo a respiração edáfica do solo. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a atividade microbiana em diferentes tipos de solo com a adição de torta de mamona e resíduo têxtil de algodão. O trabalho foi conduzido em casa de vegetação na sede da Embrapa Algodão, em delineamento de blocos casualisados em esquema fatorial 4 x 3, com quatro repetições. A intervalos predeterminados de 4 dias os recipientes foram abertos e a solução de NaOH foi titulada com HCl 2 N na presença de indicador ácido/base fenolftaleína. Após a leitura a mesma quantidade de NaOH foi reposta e os recipientes novamente fechados. A diferença entre a quantidade de ácido necessária para neutralizar o hidróxido de sódio no recipiente testemunha e nos tratamentos equivale à quantidade de gás carbônico produzido pelos micro-organismos do solo. Constatou-se que os resíduos influenciaram significativamente a atividade microbiana nos diferentes tipos de solo, sobretudo nas primeiras determinações, apresentando-se como boas fontes para mineralização e fornecimento de nutrientes, tendo a torta de mamona proporcionado maior liberação acumulada de CO2 pelos micro-organismos.

A novel sound absorber with recycled fibers coming from end of life tires (ELTs)

The use of material waste, coming from the fibers of fluff (a textile residue from grounded end of life tires, ELTs), in the manufacture of sound absorber products, can help to combat two different kind of problems, the disposal of this kind of waste and the noise control. This paper presents the results of a new absorber material obtained through thermal compression, using a residue that is currently used for its high calorific value. Through this process, a product with a higher added value and a lower cost has been obtained. Through testing of samples made with fluff, results for absorption coefficients and acoustic impedance have been obtained. In addition, composite samples have been tested. One of these samples is a composite made with a layer of ground tire rubber (GTR), obtained by sintering and adding another layer of fluff.

Composite materials obtained from textile fiber residue

This article presents the use of fibers residue from textile industry to minimize environmental problems associated with material accumulation. Composite materials utilizing textile fiber residues and high density polyethylene were prepared. Effect of treatment with hot water on fibers to prepare composites was studied to provide an improvement in mechanical properties of these materials. This treatment on fibers was evaluated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Experimental results of mechanical properties indicated higher mechanical strength for treated fiber composites compared to the untreated fiber composites.