Waterless Solid State Decolourisation and Durability Treatment of Post-consumer / Recycled PET Fibres
Overview
This chemical-free and waterless treatment method has been developed to improve the durability and longevity of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) texiles.
Technical name of innovation
Waterless Solid State Decolourisation and Durability Treatment of Post-consumer / Recycled PET Fibres
Research completion
2019
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing
Problem addressed
Textile products containing PET and/or PLA are recyclable but they can become fragile and weak after recycling, as the original textile products had been used and aged, while the current decolorization may damage the structure of PET.
Innovation
- An increased by 200% in molecular weight and more than 98% decolourisation in an one-off process at 230°C for 8 hours
- Achieving decolourisation, molecular weight enhancement and durability improvement simultaneously in the treatment of textile materials of varying forms and sizes
- A waterless and harmful chemicals free regeneration of post-consumer PET materials
Key impact
- Allowing PET fibres to be reused, recycled and redyed in a simple and inexpensive way while enhancing the properties of recovered PET fibres
- A green technology reclaiming textile waste and reducing demand for virgin fibres
- Potentially expanding the applications of recycled polymeric textile materials in the textile industry
Award
- Silver Medal in the Special Edition 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days
Application
- Fibre enhancement
- Textile recycling
Patent
- 42022049372.0
- 202010795838.X
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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