End-of-life cotton textile-based engineered cellulose composites

Abstract

This study describes creating textile waste-based cellulosic composites (TWCCs) by upcycling used cotton fabrics. The research aims to develop a new fully/partially biodegradable composite material using textile waste obtained during the production process of textile materials. Textile waste poses a significant environmental challenge due to its accumulation in landfills. This study explores the potential of repurposing textile waste into composite materials through advanced manufacturing techniques. Three distinct sample types are developed for the comparative study of the characteristics: TWCCs, TWCC laminate, and cotton/epoxy TWCC composite laminate. The fabrication process is optimized to enhance the TWCC mechanical and thermal characteristics. The structural integrity and performance of the developed composite materials are assessed by mechanical testing, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the developed composite's biodegradability was investigated. The results show that TWCCs made from textile waste have the potential to be an effective way to lower environmental pollution, encourage circular economy principles in the manufacturing industry, and provide good mechanical properties for various applications.