Denim Waste Research Articles

Conversion of waste denim fabrics into high-performance carbon fiber anodes for sodium-ion batteries

Conversion of waste denim fabrics into high-performance carbon fiber anodes for sodium-ion batteries

Dissolution of denim waste in N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide monohydrate for fabrication of regenerated cellulosic film: Experimental and simulation study

Despite the significant amount of denim waste and its potential as a cellulose source, its use has been neglected. This study uses N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide, an eco-friendly solvent, to dissolve denim (including 100 % cotton) and create a denim film. Achieving a 10 % denim record solubility, a cellulosic film was also fabricated for comparison. Characterisation techniques were applied, and molecular dynamics simulations explored intramolecular interactions and the influence of indigo dye on dissolution process. FTIR spectra indicated no chemical reactions during dissolution and regeneration, though a shift in OH stretching suggested a change in crystallinity, confirmed by XRD results showing decreased crystallinity and a structural shift from cellulose I to cellulose II. 13C NMR analysis revealed disruptions in interchain hydrogen bonds after regeneration. TGA results showed lower decomposition temperatures for both films compared to the powders. Testing mechanical properties showed the denim film had higher elongation at break but lower tensile strength than the cellulose film. MD simulations indicated indigo dye did not significantly affect fundamental interactions but decreased denim solubility by reducing the diffusion coefficient. Rheological tests supported the simulation results, showing higher viscosity and molecular weight for the denim solution compared to cellulose.

Integration of recycled denim waste cotton fibre and jute fibre in thermoplastic bio composite applications

High-stiffness and high-strength natural fibres are commonly utilized in thermoplastic matrices to manufacture biobased thermoplastic composites. Low-end applications such as construction and furniture industries do not require a high load-bearing capacity, thus favoring cost-effective, moderately strong, sustainable natural materials and quickly manufacture thermoplastic composites. Recycled biobased cotton fibres collected from the denim industry can effectively penetrate this composite industry due to their cost-effectiveness and desirable physical and mechanical properties. However, retaining structural integrity and enhancing the reinforcing efficiency of recycled yarns in composites pose challenges. Addressing these issues, we propose a new method of extracting recycled cotton from denim waste fabric and transforming it into dry preform with minimal damage to the structural integrity of cotton fibres. Jute fibres have been introduced alongside recycled denim fibers within a polypropylene matrix to optimize the hybrid reinforcing efficacy of the composites. The effect of denim fibre length on composite quasi-static tensile and flexural test results showed that a yarn length of 20 mm yielded the highest tensile strength (⁓27.83 MPa), tensile modulus (⁓ 1.76 GPa), flexural strength (⁓62.35 MPa), and flexural modulus (⁓1.17 GPa). Composites comprising recycled denim yarn and jute fibre improved the tensile modulus to approximately ⁓2.1 GPa and the impact strength to approximately ⁓66.1 kJ/m2, following the hybrid rule of mixture, while jute fiber serves to increase the stiffness and toughness of the composites. This work demonstrates that recycled denim cotton fibre and strong jute fibre can be successfully integrated into thermoplastic composites to achieve tailored mechanical properties.

A regenerated cellulose fiber with high mechanical properties for temperature-adaptive thermal management

The escalating global population has led to a surge in waste textiles, posing a significant challenge in landfill management worldwide. In this work, ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole acetate ([Bmim]OAc) and DMF (N, n-dimethylformamide) were used as solvents to dissolve waste denim fabric, then vanadium dioxide (VO2) nanoparticles were introduced into the spinning solution, and cellulose fibers were regenerated by dry-wet spinning process, to promote the recycling of waste cotton fabric. Finally, regenerated cellulose fibers with high added value were prepared by dry-wet spinning. Through this innovative strategy, on the one hand, because VO2 can form a large number of hydrogen bonds between the regenerated cellulose molecules, and realize the cross-networking structure of the molecular chains inside the fiber, the mechanical properties of the regenerated cellulose fibers are enhanced. On the other hand, due to the thermal phase transformation characteristics of VO2, it also endows the regenerated cellulose fiber unique intelligent temperature control function. Compared with the pristine regenerated fiber, the tensile stress of the regenerated fiber after adding VO2 nanoparticles (F-VO2) increased by 25.6 %, reaching 158.68 MPa. In addition, the F-VO2 fibric provides excellent intelligent temperature control, reducing temperatures by up to 6.7 °C.

Zinc chloride-activated Denim waste carbon for methylene blue removal

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the adsorptive properties of denim-based activated carbon for methylene blue removal from water. The adsorbent was prepared through ZnCl2 activation and characterized for specific area, surface chemistry and morphology. The batch adsorption was carried out at different dye concentrations, contact times and solution temperatures. The activated carbon, AC-ZnCl2, yields a high surface area of 1323 m2/g with adsorption capacity of 326 mg/g. The adsorption data were well-fitted into Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption is endothermic and spontaneous at high temperature. Also, the kinetic and thermodynamic studies show that the adsorption is governed by physical and chemical adsorption.

The Effect of Denim Fabric as a Feedstock in Large Scale Composting of Manure/Bedding and Food Scraps

This study provides scientific evidence for the process of denim biodegradation and the viability of including denim waste in large scale composting facility feedstock streams. Fourteen samples of denim using different dyes and dye processes provided by Cotton Incorporated as well as worn and unworn whole and scrap denim fabric were incorporated into a manure/bedding and food scrap windrow at the Cornell composting facility and in a bench scale laboratory trial. Grab samples of compost were analyzed for compost parameters, metals and PFAS. Visual observation of decomposition of denim showed polyester blended denim degraded at a slower rate than non-blended denim. However, after four months of hot composting, most of the denim had decomposed into organic matter, leaving only small pieces of the polyester thread, labels, and pockets. Bench scale degradation, tracked by carbon dioxide evolution and mass difference showed significant degradation at the macro and microscopic levels at day 75. Composting denim fabric has no detrimental effect on the composting process, nor on the quality of the resulting compost and thus can be used to grow cotton and other crops, reducing the carbon footprint, and contributing to the circular economy.

Electrocatalytic recycling of indigo dye from waste denim fabric: an engineering approach toward efficient denim dye reuse

The denim fabric industry has experienced exponential growth and escalating concerns regarding sustainable production and recycling practices. The wide utilization of indigo dye in denim manufacturing presents significant challenges owing to its intricate chemical structure and inherent resistance to degradation. Improper disposal of waste denim fabric and the release of indigo dye impose severe ecological ramifications. In this study, we explore the productive application of electrochemistry to recycle indigo dye from waste denim fabric while repurposing the electrolyte for denim dyeing. Notably, the separation of indigo from waste denim textiles reaches 82.34%. It is calculated that 21.59 g of indigo can be recovered from 1 kg of denim waste. Recovered indigo can be reused for cotton yarn dyeing. In the experiment, indigo was recovered from 0.03 square meters of denim waste, and the K/ S value of the yarn was up to 2.997 after five dyeing cycles. The loss of fabric strength after recycling is as low as 13.32%, which has little effect on secondary fabric recycling. Our recycling method reduces the waste of 978.41 g of waste fabric and 21.59 g of indigo per kilo compared to conventional treatment. This research provides compelling scientific evidence supporting adopting a closed-loop system within denim production, underlining the potential for environmentally conscious and economically viable practices in the industry.

Effect of Denim Waste Fibres on Technical Properties of Cementitious Lightweight Composite Mortars

The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of recycled denim waste fibers (DWF) for reinforcing cementitious lightweight composite mortar (CLCM). The research focused on evaluating how the addition of DWF affected various aspects of CLCMs, such as flowability, fresh and hardened unit weight, porosity, water absorption, flexural strength, compressive strength, and load-deformation characteristics. Different proportions of fibers (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 wt.% of cement) were incorporated into the CLCM. The results showed a slight decrease in both fresh and hardened unit weights compared to the reference. It was noted that the consistency of the mortars declined with the increasing addition of fibers. Additionally, the inclusion of any amount of fiber led to an enhancement in the mechanical properties of the lightweight mortars. Furthermore, the reference mortar exhibited less deformation under load, indicating its higher brittleness. Moreover, the study observed that the incorporation of DWFs had the ability to simultaneously improve both the ultimate load-bearing capacity and deformation of the mortars.

MXene Enhanced 3D Needled Waste Denim Felt for High-Performance Flexible Supercapacitors

HighlightsAn ultralight and flexible supercapacitor is developed by an effective 3D fabrication method that uses MXene to fabricate waste denim felt through needling and carbonization.The electrodes have a maximum specific capacitance of 1748.5 mF cm−2 and demonstrate remarkable cycling stability with more than 94% after 15,000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cyclesThe loaded more MXene onto Z-directional fiber bundles results in enhanced specific capacitance, energy density and power density of supercapacitors.

Computational modelling for predicting rheological properties of composite modified asphalt binders

The complicated viscoelastic characteristics of asphalt binders make it a challenging task to precisely predict their rheological behavior. This study aims to investigate and compare the suitability of response surface methodology (RSM) and machine learning (ML) modeling approaches in predicting the complex modulus (G*), phase angle (δ), and rutting parameter (G*/sinδ) of Nano Silica (NS) and/or waste denim fiber (WDF) modified asphalt binders before and after short-term aging. To achieve this, an experimental scheme was designed for RSM and ML modeling with three variables including NS contents (0–6%), WDF contents (0–6%), and testing temperature (40–76 °C) as the inputs, and provided the G*, δ and G*/sinδ before and after short-term aging as the outputs. A wide range of ML algorithms was evaluated to determine the optimum ML model that can be used to accurately predict the rheological properties of NS/WDF-modified asphalt binders. RSM analysis results indicated that the G*, δ, and G*/sinδ of NS/WDF composite asphalt are significantly affected by the %NS, %WDF, and test temperatures. The RSM-developed models showed coefficient of determination (R2) values exceeding 0.97 for all responses, indicating adequate agreement between experimental results and models developed by RSM. From ML algorithms optimization and among all evaluated ML models, it was found that Gaussian process regression (GPR) exhibited the highest R2 with a value of (0.99) and the lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) with a value of approximately 1%. The performance evaluation of the GPR model for predicting all responses showed a very small difference between the predicted and experimental results, highlighting the prediction accuracy of the developed ML models.

Advances Towards Sustainable and Eco-Denim Fashion

Denim presently is the most widely accepted textile product and shows it hold even in the future with its growing popularity. Trend forecasts continue to showcase denim as a wardrobe staple. Denim today is diversified in all different product categories. Although denim is considered an expression of youth and demonstrates durability and comfort, denim raises sustainability issues. Sustainability refers to an understanding and practice of a lifestyle in which humans can live in their natural surroundings without harming or causing any damage. Humans have a relationship with the environment and eventually with ourselves and future generations. Few eco-conscious fashion brands are involved in developing ideations and modifications of denim as a fabric or product into diversified sustainable fashion. The indigo denim shows strong potential to adapt to new trends and recovery. Recycling denim waste will set an innovative development of green eco-friendly denim. Through this research article, the researcher aims to address the possibilities of denim fashion promoting environmental sustainability through creativity, awareness, recycling, and artisan appreciation. In conclusion, blue denim fashion will continue to evolve and eventually transform into green denim in the future, nurturing values of both quality and sustainability.

Waste jean derived self N-containing activated carbon as a potential electrode material for supercapacitors.

The rapid rise of the world population increases the annual amount of waste textile products. Textile products create a significant amount of CO2, water, and chemical footprints during production. Therefore, the reusability of textile products has an important environmental and economic impact. Waste denim was used in this study to produce activated carbon (AC) samples as the alternative substance for supercapacitor electrodes. Characterisation studies showed that AC samples contain nitrogen originating from the elastane in the denim structure. Electrochemical characterisation tests proved the pseudocapacitive behaviour of the denim-derived AC due to the nitrogen content. Specific capacitance values observed for the three-electrode and two-electrode cell configurations were 95.93 F/g and 54.64 F/g at 1 A/g, respectively. Good capacitive retention (83.01%) of the cell after 3000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles at 1 A/g shows that waste denim can be considered as raw material for energy storage systems.

RESÍDUOS DE DENIN: experiências de reutilização em confecção de jeans

Planning the use of techniques to reuse materials that are wasted can help to reduce environmental damage or even avoid it. This article presents the results of a research that explored the denim lefto-vers in a jeans factory, as well as the proposal for the reuse of waste through sustainable alternatives, generating possibilities for the development of new products, from the reuse of denim discarded. For the development of the research, the Design Science research method was used, following the following steps: understanding the problem, generation of alternatives, development of artifacts, evaluation and conclusions. Pieces were prototyped from reuse, with six pairs of shoes and six bags. The results achieved showed that the reuse of denim waste associated with design elements are ways to innovate, making fashion more sustainable and ethical, adding value to the product, through resignification.

Utilization of response surface methodology for predicting and optimizing the physical properties of rubberized asphalt modified with nanosilica and waste denim fiber

Utilization of response surface methodology for predicting and optimizing the physical properties of rubberized asphalt modified with nanosilica and waste denim fiber

Training and Marketing of Fashion Upcycling Products in Local Communities

This article focuses on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12), about responsible consumption and production, particularly the fifth target of reducing waste production through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. The study explored and evaluated the results of the product upgrading performed in a community empowerment activity, which involved upcycling denim waste into A-line skirts and tote bags, and adding decorative materials using sewing techniques such as decorative stitches, tie-dye, and macrame. The article also discusses the importance of producing goods with greater value in terms of sustainability in natural resource utilization. On-site surveys were conducted to evaluate the results of the product upgrading, and the survey results were analyzed qualitatively for further sustainability efforts related to upcycling. Overall, 15 buyers participated, and the results showed positive perceptions about the use of products from fashion waste and there is interest in participating in similar activities in the future.

Constructing and Evaluating the Features of Novelty Yarn Made from Denim Cut Waste

By turning the apparel industry denim cut waste into mélange yarn, the study aims to help the sector get toward zero waste. It is crucial to create already-available manufacturing techniques that are more environmentally friendly. Being conscious of environmental issues, it is a rapidly expanding section of the fashion industry. The major issue facing the enormous denim business is caused by vast amounts of secondhand waste, unsalable stock, and denim waste that needs to be treated from scratch. In order to prepare cotton for the production of recycled cotton yarns, recycled cotton fiber was first extracted from denim cut waste using mechanical procedures (sorting & opening - extraction of fiber, sliver development, drawing, roving, spinning). The fiber was dyed without going through the dyeing process, and recycled cotton was used to create the yarn. The yarn underwent tests to determine its strength (153 lb./lea, TPI 17, count 8 Ne), applicability as a raw material for clothing, and more. According to other findings, it is a high-quality complete yarn because mélange yarn, for various ratios, Because there is no blending of two different fibers, 100% cotton yarn has produced the best results. This method of recovering denim cut waste in the textile manufacturing sector today is efficient and sustainable.

Utilization of Denim Waste into Debric Board

More than one billion pieces of denim are sold every year. The consumptions from North America are 39%, West Europe 20%, East Asia 20%, and the rest of it, including Indonesia, is 13%. This study aims to know the comparation between denim waste become particle boards toward SNI as a national standard through several variables. The variables are water content, thickness increment, density, acidity, and alkalinity resistance. Making the sample refers to the particle board-making process, such as preparation, mixing, gluing, pressing, and drying. On the other hand, this study’s method for the test is based on SNI 03-2105-2006 about Particle Board and SNI 01-7201-2006 Plywood and Beautiful Paper-faced Blockboard. The sample test divided by four ratios, 100%:100% (a), 75%:25% (b), 50%:50% (c), and 25%:75% (d). The result of this study showed that the water content test is the only variable influenced by the sample’s ratio. At the same time, sample A is the perfect sample with a ratio of 100% because sample A complied with the water content, thickness test, density test, and minor damage on acidity and alkalinity resistance test. It can conclude that denim waste has the potential to be improved as interior materials such as particle board.

Predicting the rutting parameters of nanosilica/waste denim fiber composite asphalt binders using the response surface methodology and machine learning methods

It is challenging to predict the mechanical properties of modified asphalt binders because of their complex non-linear viscoelastic behavior. This study evaluates and compares the feasibility of using the response surface methodology (RSM) and machine learning (ML) methods to predict the shear strain, accumulated shear strain, non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr), and percentage of recovery (%R) of the base binder, nanosilica (NS)-modified, waste denim fiber (WDF)-modified, and NS/WDF composite asphalt binders. The study conducts an extensive investigation using ML algorithms to accurately predict the multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) rutting parameters for the base and modified asphalt binders. The RSM statistical analysis revealed that the %NS and %WDF significantly affect the shear strain, accumulated shear strain, Jnr, and %R at different levels of shear stress within the 95% confidence interval. Besides, the RSM-based predictive models have correlation coefficients (R2) greater than 0.8 for all responses, indicating an adequate consistency between the predicted MSCR parameters by the developed models and the parameters from the experimental work. Analysis of the ML models shows that the Extreme Gradient Boosting regression (XGB regression) is among the most accurate models for predicting the shear strain and accumulated strain. Of the evaluated ML models, Decision Tree Regression (DTR) shows the best performance in predicting Jnr and %R, with the highest R2 of 0.99 and smallest root mean square error (RMSE) of <1%, which indicates its ability to represent the experimental MSCR parameters accurately. Evaluation of the XGB regression and DTR performance shows that the developed ML models outperform the RSM in predicting the MSCR rutting parameters.

The Effect of Various Textile Wastes on the Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials

As technology advances and people's needs rise, the amount of waste produced rises in tandem with increased productivity in every industry. In this study, mechanical properties of hybrid composite structures made from recycled textile waste (denim waste, human hair, and pantyhose waste) are compared to those of an E-glass plain-woven fabric reinforced composite structure (Charpy impact strength, drop-weight impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength). The vacuum-assisted resin transfer method is employed as the production method, with epoxy resin as the chosen matrix material. Except for tensile strength, the obtained results suggest that the mechanical properties of textile waste and E-glass fabric reinforced hybrid composite constructions can compete with those of pure E-glass fabric reinforced sample.

An investigation of the effect of structural parameters on the impact properties of sandwich-structured shock absorbers

The purpose of this study is to develop an impact absorber with a core made of sustainable textile waste as an alternative to the conventional honeycomb structure. In this case, the core structure is made of cotton fiber webs recycled from denim waste, and the outer shell is made of polypropylene plates reinforced with carbon, jute, and E-glass woven fabrics. Production of the sandwich structure is carried out using the hot press method. In addition to the fabric types and layer sequences utilized in the outer shell, the geometry of the core structure is altered, and their effect on the drop-weight impact resistance is examined. The prominent results emphasize that the use of high-performance fabrics in the outer shell facing the outer surface increases the impact resistance, and the sizes of the holes to be obtained in the core structure should be optimized in order to be effective in energy absorption. The results reveal that these developed sandwich structures can constitute a promising alternative for the automotive industry.