Elastomeric Fibre Separation by a Biosolvent Dissolution Method

HKRITA
Overview

This project develop a more environmental-friendly method remove spandex from the textile blends by using biosolvents, while keeping the counterpart materials intact.

  • Elastomeric Fibre Separation by a Biosolvent Dissolution Method 0
  • Elastomeric Fibre Separation by a Biosolvent Dissolution Method 1
Technical name of innovation
Elastomeric Fibre Separation by a Biosolvent Dissolution Method
Research completion
2022
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing
Problem addressed

Elastomeric fibre such as spandex is commonly used in garment production to improve elasticity and comfort of textile apparels. To facilitate the recycling of blended garments, it is necessary to remove spandex. Current separation methods rely on the use of toxic solvents or energy-intensive processes. This project is to develop a more eco-friendly method to remove spandex from the textile blends by using biosolvents.

Innovation
  • Develop a biosolvent dissolution method for removing spandex from woven/knitted blends made of PET, nylon or cotton.
  • Optimise the condition of parameters during the spandex separation process to achieve a separation target of over 98% while retaining the property of the recovered counterpart materials.
Key impact
  • This project develops a method to dissolve spandex from blended textiles and recovers PET, nylon, or cotton fibres using biosolvents. Currently, there are no studies reported for the dissolution of spandex in biosolvents.
  • This method develops biosolvents that replace traditional petroleum-based solvents. Biosolvents derived from biomass are sustainable, renewable and biodegradable.
Application
  • This method uses biosolvent to remove spandex from blended textiles (PET, nylon or cotton) so that the garments can be further recycled. It replaces hazardous and petroleum-based chemical solvents and offers an eco-alternative choice of solvent.

Patent

  • 17/484,249 (US)
  • PCT/CN2021/120092 (PCT)
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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