Denim Waste Research Articles

The Quality of Blended Cotton and Denim Waste Fibres: The Effect of Blend Ratio and Waste Category

Cotton is one of the most-used natural fibres in the world due to its relative comfort and strength compared with other natural fibres. However, the processing of cotton for manufacturing products consumes a lot of water, while harvesting cotton uses significant amounts of pesticides. One solution to this ecological problem is to recycle cotton waste. This study investigated the effect of blending virgin cotton with two categories of denim cotton waste—sourced during the winding and dyeing processes and used in various ratios—on the quality of blended denim cotton. The study was realised in collaboration with a large manufacturer of denim fabrics in Tunisia and a producer of preparation machines in Italy and aimed to use an adequate process to recycle cotton yarn waste and to obtain fibres with acceptable quality. The research aimed at providing a solution to the great demand for denim with the use of reclaimed fabric, which accompanies the increased need for denim with a fancy effect and the obligation of denim producers to follow environmental standards required by many brands The results show that it is possible to obtain a good quality of blend yarn using virgin cotton and cotton waste even when the waste content exceeds 50%. These results are significant for textile mills. Reprocessing fibres from denim colour-processing waste has a lot of advantages, including reductions in wastewater treatment and the consumption of energy, chemicals and water. In addition, the process eliminates the need for the dyeing and finishing processes of these coloured fibres.

Development of fire retarding composite board for fire compartmentation application using waste denim: A review

This paper represents a comprehensive review work to understand the utter need to recycle denim waste and its use as a structural member with good mechanical and fire retardant properties for compartmentation under Passive Fire Protection systems. At present the amount of denim waste recycled is very small as compared to what is landfilled and studying the rate of denim waste generation and its associated problems there is certainly a scope for new effective denim waste recycling methods. This paper includes an intensive review on the best present fire retardant and mechanical properties improving methodologies for denim fabrics. Despite the fact that denim fabric is virtually entirely made of cotton (99%), the spinning process increases the LOI value from 18.5 percent (cotton) to 20.1 percent (denim). Various compositions, formulations, and application tactics of various fire retardants, such as boron-based, phosphorus-based fire retardants, and so on, were investigated to improve the composite's fire retardancy upto 89 percent. To considerably improve the physical and mechanical characteristics of the composite, different composite manufacturing processes such as film stacking, compression molding, resin transfer molding, vacuum infusion, hand lay-up, and hot pressing method were investigated. According to the findings, denim based composite boards have huge potential for fire compartmentation application. This paper provides the direction towards development of such boards which will not just help in denim waste management but also provide important component of passive fire protection for much needed building fire safety.

Optimizing the Physical Properties of Waste Denim Fiber-Modified Rubberized Bitumen Through Response Surface Methodology

In this study, waste denim fiber (WDF) was used as a modifier to enhance the properties of bitumen incorporating tire pyrolysis oil (TPO). The designing of the experiment, analysis data, modeling and multi-objective optimization performed using response surface methodology (RSM). Base bitumen was modified with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% TPO and 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% of WDF using high shear mixer. The interaction effects of TPO and WDF on the penetration, softening point and temperature susceptibility of bitumen were evaluated. Results showed that the addition of TPO and/or WDF has a significant effect on the consistency and temperature susceptibility of base bitumen. RSM analysis exhibited high degrees of correlation (R2) of 0.982, 0.973 and 0.947 for the dependent variables’ penetration, softening point and temperature susceptibility, respectively. That indicates there is an adequate agreement between models developed by RSM and experimental results. The numerical multi-objective optimization showed that optimum properties can be achieved with 8.4% of TPO and 6% of WDF.

Experimental analysis using polypropylene, polyester and waste denim fiber in road construction

The most popular pavement material is asphalt concrete. As a result, experts have continued to be interested in improving the quality of asphalt concrete in order to improve its performance and longevity. Despite the fact that many other types of fibres and polymers have been used to strengthen asphalt concrete, fibres have gained a lot of attention due to their unique properties. As observed, the well-distributed fibres form a network in the composite's internal structure, resulting in tighter asphalt concrete. A method for mixing polypropylene, polyester, and waste denim fibres with bitumen was developed in this study, which resulted in uniform fibre dispersion. The current study looked into the effects of using synthetic fibres as a bituminous concrete ingredient, such as polypropylene, polyester, and scrap denim. Traditional bitumen and fibre modified binder are the subjects of a research project. The Optimum Binder Content (OBC) and Optimum Fiber Content (OFC) are calculated using the Marshall Procedure. Preparing asphalt concrete mixtures with the required fibre dosages ranging from 5 to 15% by weight of binder enables for extensive laboratory testing. The volumetric parameters of the mixes, as well as strength tests such marshall stability, are determined.

Design of an impact absorbing green composite

The goal of this study is to build impact-absorbing bio-composite panels from bio-resin and denim wastes that can help solid waste management. Within this scope, composite structures with different layer numbers are produced using waste denim fabric and epoxy:AESO (70:30) matrix material. The panels produced in different number of layers are subjected to physical (density and fiber weight ratio) and mechanical (drop-weight resistance) tests. The drop impact resistance test results show the increasing number of layers in the composite structure improves the impact resistance.

Sustainable biodegradable denim waste composites for potential single-use packaging

Every year a massive 2.16 million metric tons of denim jeans is globally wasted and mostly goes into landfill. Though denim is highly rich in cellulose, its valorisation has received little attention. A few attempts have previously shown prospects of denim in composites, though the ultimate products were non-compostable due to the nature of the chosen matrix. This research proposes a novel development of denim/cornstarch composite, maintaining 50/50 fractions, using different denim snippet size. A smoother denim/cornstarch composite morphology and higher tensile strength were observed when smaller denim snippets were used, whereas larger snippets produced voids and roughness and a higher hygroscopicity. Composite prepared from semi-gelatinised cornstarch showed a completely flexible structure similar to non-woven sheet. The chemical structure was observed identical in all of the composites and a good structural compatibility perceived. Individual peaks of both denim (1105 cm−1 and 1705 cm−1) and cornstarch (1081 cm−1) were confirmed in all composite samples, either gelatinised or semi-gelatinised cornstarch used. Overall, this work reveals an eco-friendly approach to utilise consumed denim waste, with insight on possible fine-tuning through alteration of denim snippet size and cornstarch gelatinisation. The mechanical and moisture properties of the composites also suggest their potential application in single-use packaging.

Development of 3D needled composite from denim waste and polypropylene fibers for structural applications

The current study presents a facile yet efficient strategy to the recycling of waste textiles into cost-effective products to reduce environmental pollution. Specifically, the composites were prepared by the denim fibers extracted from the waste denim fabrics and polypropylene fibers through three dimensional needle-punching process and compression moulding. The mechanicalproperties, 24 h thickness swelling rate and formaldehyde concentration of the developed composites were noted to be better than those of the ordinary high density fiberboard. Overall, the findings from this study demonstrate the successful development of high-performance and low-cost composites as ideal furniture material.

Performance Analysis of Recycled Low Density Polyethylene Laminated Waste Denim Fabrics to be Used in Recycled Shopping Bags

Performance Analysis of Recycled Low Density Polyethylene Laminated Waste Denim Fabrics to be Used in Recycled Shopping Bags

Optimization the Physical Properties of Waste Denim Fiber Modified Bio-asphalt Binder Using Response Surface Methodology

This research used waste denim fiber (WDF) as a new modifier to mitigate the inconsistency problem of bio-asphalt that incorporated waste cooking oil (WCO). Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to design and analyze the experimental data. 16 blends of base and bio-asphalt binders were prepared with high shear mixer and evaluated by conducting penetration, ring and ball temperature and temperature susceptibility tests. Optimization of the properties was performed by RSM to come up with the optimum amount of the additives that can be recommended. Results showed that the addition of waste denim fiber reduced the penetration values and increased the ring and ball temperature and the penetration index of base and WDF-modified bio-asphalt binders. These findings reveal that WDF-modified bio-asphalt binders can perform well at the intermediate and high-temperature pavement applications. Numerical optimization results utilizing the developed models exhibited that optimum properties can be achieved with 5% of WCO and 6% of WDF.

Design of composite insulation panels containing 100% recycled cotton fibers and polyethylene/polypropylene packaging wastes

The aim of this study is to produce high value-added composite materials by combining textile and packaging waste from two different sectors. Waste denim fabric was used as the reinforcement material, while polypropylene and polyethylene bottle caps, food, and cleaning containers were used as the matrix material for the production of composite panels. These composite panels were investigated in terms of air permeability and thermal and acoustic insulation behavior. The results indicate that the developed textile-based composite panels are applicable as commercial support materials and offer improved thermal and acoustic insulation properties. The developed composite material provides sound transmission loss up to 8 dB, and improves the thermal resistance value up to 0.11 m2oC/W. On the other hand, the flame retardant property of this composite material should be tested and developed at the point of applicability as an insulation material.

Research on Innovative Design of Patchwork Art Based on the Concept of Sustainable Development——Take the Creation of “HUI Yu Men Ting” as an Example

While scientific and technological progress and economic development have improved the state of human life, they have also brought a series of hazards to human survival. Therefore, sustainable development has become an inevitable trend for development in various fields. Patchwork art is a typical traditional art form. No matter now or in the future, only by absorbing the essence of culture, deeply exploring the harmonious relationship between man and nature, and adhering to the road of sustainable development can we realize the vitality of modernization. This article focuses on the concept of sustainable development and provides theoretical knowledge and methodological guidance for modern patchwork art design. Taking the work “Hui Yu Men Ting” as an example, it discusses the sustainable design research of the use of waste denim clothing for the creation of patchwork art from the aspects of material selection, creative concept, and expression techniques.

Production of three-dimensional fiber needle-punching composites from denim waste for utilization as furniture materials

The recycling and reuse of denim waste are key challenges towards sustainable disposal of waste textiles. Here we produce high mechanical three-dimensional denim waste fiber needle-punching composites (3DDWNCs) from denim waste through a nonwoven needle-punching process. The impact exerted by fiber volume fraction and needled density on the mechanical performance of 3DDWNCs are studied. The optimum mechanical properties of the 3DDWNCs are obtained at 27.16% of fiber volume fraction and 373 needles/cm2 of needled density. The addition of denim waste fibers substantially enhanced the mechanical performance of the 3DDWNCs with higher tensile strength (21.83%), tensile modulus (52.38%), flexural strength (49.29%), and flexural modulus (69.38%) compared to that made from pure epoxy resin. The flexural modulus and thickness swelling rate of the 3DDWNCs are superior according to the standard of particle boards, thus showing enormous potential as alternative raw materials to make furniture products such as particle boards, plywood, and desks.

Isolation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from industrial denim waste using ammonium persulfate

This research focuses on extraction of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from industrial denim waste using oxidation method in a batch reactor by varying pretreatment methods, ammonium persulfate (APS) concentrations, and reaction times. This oxidation method shows beneficial when compared to the conventional hydrolysis methods in term of less corrosive and shorter extraction time. Two-step method was developed instead of using one-step only to judge the beneficial of alkali pretreatment. The raw material of industrial denim waste was prepared in the form of powder with particle size range of 80–120 mesh. This raw material was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The CNCs products were characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for confirming the particle size distribution, morphology, and crystallinity, respectively. The results showed that increasing the reaction time from 5 h to 15 h decreased the particle size of CNCs and increased the crystallinity of CNCs, while increasing the APS concentration from 1 to 1.5 M decreased the particle size of CNCs and the crystallinity of CNCs. The optimum operating conditions were obtained that the reaction time was 15 h at 60 °C and 1.5 M APS concentration, which produced the rod like morphology of CNCs with 76.14 ± 8.56 nm length, 18.10 ± 3.54 diameter and the crystallinity of 83 %. From the DLS and XRD characterizations, it was confirmed that the CNCs from denim waste could be produced through the oxidation method using APS.

Cellulose Beads Derived from Waste Textiles for Drug Delivery.

Cellulose beads were successfully prepared from waste denim using a dissolution-regeneration approach with ionic liquids as the dissolving solvent. Cellulose beads with different morphologies were achieved by altering the dissolving and coagulating solvents. The morphological differences were quantified by N2 physisorption. The impact of morphology on the cellulose beads’ potential application was investigated in the context of drug loading and release. The results show that the fibrous morphology showed a better loading capacity than the globular analogue due to its higher surface area and pore volume.

Nanocellulose from recycled indigo-dyed denim fabric and its application in composite films

In this study, nanocellulose was extracted from indigo-dyed denim fabric and the resultant nanocellulose properties were evaluated in comparison with those derived from bleached cotton fabric and wood pulp in order to investigate the potential of recycling denim waste for nanocellulose production and application. Sulfuric acid hydrolysis and (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl) oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidation were utilized to produce cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibers (TOCN), respectively. A stable CNC suspension with blue color was obtained after acid hydrolysis and the TEMPO process yielded colorless TOCN. The denim-derived nanocellulose possessed similar yield, morphology, size, crystallinity, and thermal stability to those derived from bleached cotton but higher crystallinity and thermal stability compared to the nanocellulose from wood pulp. When used to reinforce polyvinyl alcohol film, the blue indigo-CNC not only enhanced mechanical properties of the film but also provided the film with outstanding UV blocking.

Influence of nanosilica particles on the high-temperature performance of waste denim fibre-modified bitumen

ABSTRACT In this study, separate and composite nanosilica (NS) and waste denim fibre (WDF) are utilised to improve the rutting performance of bitumen. The effects on the rheological properties of base and modified bitumen before and after short-term aging were investigated. Conventional tests were performed to check the feasibility of the composite modified bitumen to be utilised as a flexible pavement material. Rolling thin film oven, temperature sweep test and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests were conducted to assess the effects of NS, WDF and composite NS-WDF on advanced rheological properties. Results show that the addition of NS to WDF-modified bitumen improves the conventional characteristics and rutting resistance parameters. MSCR test results indicate that increased in both NS and WDF content leads to a decline and increase in the non-recoverable creep compliance and percentage recovery respectively. The performance grade of bitumen was improved from PG 64S to PG**V for composite NS-WDF-modified binders at both 4% NS and WDF. The WDF provides more elastic contribution compared to the NS. This can be ascribed to the presence of clumps/clusters of fibres in the blends acting as pockets of elasticity. These findings reveal the remarkable improvement in rutting resistance and elasticity of bitumen.

Recycling of denim fabric wastes into high-performance composites using the needle-punching nonwoven fabrication route

At present, a large number of waste textiles are disposed through incineration and burial, which cause serious environmental pollution. Therefore, recycling textile wastes into high mechanical products with eco-friendly method is an urgent issue. Based on the above status quo, three kinds of 3D waste denim fiber needled felts/epoxy composites (3DWECs) with different areal densities of the mono-layer fiber web were designed and fabricated, and the effect of the areal density of the mono-layer fiber web on its mechanical properties was studied in this work. The cross-section morphologies of 3DWECs were also examined. Tensile, bending and compressive test results revealed that 2# 3DWECs (the planar density of mono-layer fiber webs was 557 g/m2) possessed better mechanical properties than 1# 3DWECs and 3# 3DWECs. Both the static and dynamic mechanical testing results showed that 3D waste denim fiber needled felts acting as the reinforcement played an essential role in the bearing function. Moreover, the peel tests indicated that the peel strengths of the 3DWECs were above the limits of the Chinese National Standard for particle board. The composites have the potential as a substitute for some particle boards.

Effects of Waste Denim Fibre (WDF) on the physical and rheological properties of bitumen

About 15% of the denim jeans are waste materials during the cutting processing in the manufacturing. That is considering a huge waste need to be managed and recycled in a sustainable manner. In this research, waste denim fibre modified binders were prepared at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% concentration of waste denim fibre by weight of bitumen. Effects of waste denim fibre on physical and rheological properties of bitumen were investigated by conducting penetration, softening point, ductility, temperature susceptibility, complex modulus, phase angle and permanent deformation parameters evaluations. Results show that the addition of waste denim fibre reduces the penetration, ductility and temperature susceptibility and increases the softening point of bitumen, which indicating improved permanent deformation resistance of bitumen. Based on dynamic shear rheometer analysis, it was found that, waste denim fibre improved the rheological properties of bitumen from a temperature range of 40°C to 70°C. Furthermore, rutting parameter evaluation indicated that denim fibre modified bitumen has high resistance to rutting due to the enhancement of its elastic behaviour with increased of denim fibre content in the modified binder. It was also noted that 2% WDF is the optimum content for improving the rutting resistance of base bitumen.

Nanoporous Heteroatom-Doped Carbons Derived from Cotton Waste: Efficient Hydrazine Oxidation Electrocatalysts

In this work, cotton-based denim waste is successfully used as a precursor to synthesize nanoporous P- and N-co-doped carbon materials that can serve as efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR). In the synthesis, the cotton denim waste is mixed with H3PO4 in two different denim/H3PO4 (wt/vol) ratios, namely, 1:1 and 1:3, wherein H3PO4 serves as both an activating agent and a source of P dopant atoms while the indigo carmine dye present in denim serves as a source of N dopant atoms to the carbon materials. The resulting P- and N-co-doped carbon materials, named PNC1 and PNC3, respectively, are characterized by various analytical techniques. The XPS spectra show that PNC1 has ca. 2.17 atomic % P and 1.95 atomic % N whereas PNC3 has 2.54 atomic % P and 0.71 atomic % N. Pore analyses by N2 porosimetry indicate that PNC1 has a higher surface area (1582 m2 g–1) than PNC3 (486 m2 g–1), although the former has a lower mesopore volume (0.39 cm3 g–1) than the latter (0.58 cm3 g–1). The...

Development of cellulose based aerogel utilizing waste denim—A Morphology study

Cellulose aerogels with orientated micron-sized pore structure were obtained from denim waste utilizing ionic liquid solvents through dissolution, regeneration and drying. The pore structure of denim-derived aerogels was comprised of a mixture of micron-sized vertically aligned pores and a nanoporous fibrous network. The size and distribution of vertically aligned pores and the nanopores were influenced by the choice of ionic liquid solvent, amount of denim used and drying method employed. A detailed study on the morphology of the cellulose aerogels produced from waste denim is provided.