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Absorboost: Cellulosic Superabsorbent Polymer (C-SAP) from Post-consumer Textile Waste

HKRITA
Overview

Cellulosic Superabsorbent Polymer (C-SAP) is a biodegradable water retention solution from recycled textile wastes applicable in agriculture replacing petrochemical materials.

  • Absorboost: Cellulosic Superabsorbent Polymer (C-SAP) from Post-consumer Textile Waste 0
  • Absorboost: Cellulosic Superabsorbent Polymer (C-SAP) from Post-consumer Textile Waste 1
Technical name of innovation
Cellulosic Superabsorbent Polymer (C-SAP) from Post-consumer Textile Waste
Research completion
2020
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing
Problem addressed

Textile waste with cotton can be converted into cellulose powder, which is further developed into Cellulosic Superabsorbent Polymer (C-SAP). C-SAP retains the water-absorbing property of petrochemical-based SAP while contributing to environmental protection. It provides a second life to the huge amount of textile waste and reduces environmental impacts from burning fossil fuel and oil spills.

Innovation
  • Recycling cotton and polyester blended-fibre fabrics, converting the cotton into cellulose powder and hence C-SAP
  • C-SAP with a swelling rate of > 0.2g/(g-SAP - sec), a free swelling capacity (FSC) of > 30g /g-SAP, and a centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) of > 15g/g-SAP
  • Comparable water retaining property to petrochemical absorbent material yet eco-friendly
Key impact
  • A solution of water retention in soil for agriculture, particularly in cotton plantation due to its huge ability to absorb and retain water
  • An eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical-based materials to manufacture water-absorbing products such as diapers and sanitary napkins
  • Recycling textile waste and reducing environmental damage
Award
  • World Changing Ideas Awards (2023) - Honorable Mention
  • Gold Medal in the 47th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (2019)
Application
  • Textile recycling
  • Cotton farming
  • Water-absorbing sanitary products production

Patent

  • 17/310,861
  • 19916592.9
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)

Established in 2006, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 

HKRITA has achieved research deliverables over the years around our research clusters targeting in sustainability, industry advancement and social benefits through our centre-owned research teams and laboratories as well as collaborations with industry partners and institutions. 

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