Functional Composite Fibres Based on Recycled Cellulose
Overview
An upcycling effort of green textile by converting disposed cotton fabrics into cellulose composite fibres with UV-blocking and infrared emissivity functions.
Technical name of innovation
Functional Cellulose Composite Fibres Based on Recycled Cellulose
Research completion
2021
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing
Problem addressed
Cotton and polyester blended-fibre fabrics can be recycled and turning cotton into cellulose powder through hydrothermal treatment. These cellulose powders, apart from being converted into Cellulosic Superabsorbent Polymer (C-SAP), can be transformed to green fibres with functional properties. This technology provides a second life to the huge amount of textile waste and adds value to cellulose powders as fibers and textiles once again.
Innovation
- Developing a new type of reinforced and functional regenerated fibre based on a combination of emerging nanocomposite techniques into a wet spinning process
- Enhancing the regenerated fibre by nanocellulose, UV-blocking, and infrared (IR) emissivity additives
Key impact
- Enhancing functions to low-value recycled materials to be reused as wider array of clothes with varying practical performances
- A more sustainable option over the use of virgin fibres in the clothing industry, minimising textile wastes
- Strengthening demand for green recycling and contributing to closed-loop recycling in textile industry
Application
- Textile recycling
- UV-blocking and IR garment production
Patent
- PCT/CN2021/122106
- 17/449,465
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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