How to Recycle Cotton Polyester Blended Textile


Separating cotton and polyester in a blended waste can be challenging. However, several chemical methods have been explored to facilitate the separation of cotton and polyester in textile waste.

Caustic Treatment:

One approach involves treating the blended waste with a caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution. The caustic soda selectively attacks the cotton fibers, causing them to degrade while leaving the polyester fibers intact. This process, known as mercerization, weakens the cotton fibers, making it possible to separate them from the polyester through mechanical means such as agitation or high-pressure water jets.

Enzymatic Treatment:

Enzymes can be used to selectively degrade cotton fibers in a blended waste. Specific enzymes, such as cellulases, are capable of breaking down the cellulose present in cotton, while polyester remains unaffected. This enzymatic treatment weakens the cotton fibers, enabling their separation from polyester through mechanical processes.

Solvent Treatment:

Certain solvents have been explored to selectively dissolve either the cotton or polyester component of the blended waste. For example, a solvent like N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) has been used to dissolve and extract the cotton fibers, while leaving the polyester fibers intact. This allows for the separation of the two components, which can then be further processed individually.

Selective Depolymerization:

Researchers have also investigated methods to selectively depolymerize either the cotton or polyester component in blended waste. This involves breaking down the polymer chains of one fiber while leaving the other unaffected. Various chemical treatments, such as acid hydrolysis or alkaline hydrolysis, can be used to achieve this selective depolymerization, enabling subsequent separation of the two fibers.

Achieving complete and efficient separation of cotton and polyester in blended waste remains a complex task. Researchers and experts in the field of textile recycling continue to explore and refine these chemical methods to improve their effectiveness and scalability.

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Prashant Verma

15 years of experience in Technical Textiles, Smart Textiles, and IoT, having worked with top multinational companies. I specialize in developing innovative products and solutions in these fields. With nine domestic and international patents, I’m passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and sharing insights on the latest trends and innovations in the textile and IoT sectors. linkedin github external-link

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