Advancements in component separation through chemical methods for recycled polyester/cotton blended textiles

Abstract

The recycling of waste textiles is of great significance for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. It is an important measure to effectively supplement the supply of raw materials in the textile industry, alleviate resource and environmental constraints, and is also an essential part of establishing a sound green economic system. This work focuses on the literature review of chemical separation technology of polyester/cotton blended textiles, highlighting the component separation of polyester and cotton fibers through polyester depolymerization and cellulose dissolution. For the polyester depolymerization separation route, we have examined the advantages and disadvantages of hydrolysis, alcoholysis, and ethylene glycol alcoholysis in depolymerizing polyester to achieve component separation of blended textiles. For the hydrolysis or dissolution separation of the cotton component, we have elaborated on the hydrolysis of cellulose under acidic conditions and the dissolution process of cellulose in non-derivatizing solvents. Meanwhile, we also conducted a survey on the application progress of enzymatic hydrolysis technology in the field of component separation of blended textiles, aiming to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the current technological status and development direction of waste polyester/cotton blended textile component separation. Finally, we summarized the existing problems and challenges of the chemical separation technology for blended textiles, including fabric decolorization, and looked forward to the future trends in the chemical recycling of waste textiles. We expect that this review will provide a reference for the green regeneration and application development of waste polyester/cotton blended textiles.