Old textile becomes new in Finland
VTT, Aalto University and Tampere University of Technology, is working to separate the cellulose molecules in the textile, using environmentally friendly ionizing solvents.
Scientists is developing methods for restoring worn-out fibre to good-as-new condition. They are currently working on methods for separating the cellulose molecules contained in textile waste, such as cotton, using efficient and environmentally friendly solvents.
Several methods exist for dissolving cellulose, and these have seen notable development over the past decade. One example of such a method is Aalto University's Ioncell-F, which uses ionised solvents developed together with the University of Helsinki. VTT's role in the project covers cleaning the textile mass and preparing the cellulose in a suitable form for solvent application, while Aalto University develops the spinning processes.
Textiles are fed into the process both intact and as loose scraps. Colour is then removed and the solubility of the cellulose increased. After the application of solvents and removal in solution, the recovered cellulose is then spun into fibre. The remaining fibrous material is normally polyester, which can be melted down and used in the preparation of fibres and composites.
According to Professor Ali Harlin, VTT, the manufacture of hygiene products and technical textiles will be possible in the very near future.
“The manufacture of hygiene products and technical textiles will be possible in the very near future because the solvent, after decolouring, is also applicable in the recycling of pulp, for example from waste packaging. The manufacture of clothing textiles will take a little longer, but in any case this will not represent a major change for the textile industry,” says Mr Harlin.