Sustainable Recycling of Polyester Fabric Waste and Sugarcane Bagasse into Biochar

Abstract

Effective waste management strategies are paramount for promoting sustainable urban development and mitigating environmental degradation. This study introduces a novel approach to recycling polyester fabric waste by incorporating it into sugarcane bagasse (SCB) biomass to enhance biochar properties. Biochar was produced from a mixed feedstock of polyester fabric waste and sugarcane bagasse (SCBPE) using an auto-thermal, top-lit updraft reactor for 170 min. The innovative integration of polyester waste increased biochar yield by 24% increase in yield at a peak carbonization temperature of 344.70 °C. Characterization revealed that the surface area of SCBPE biochar increased by 36.7%, reaching 471.270 m²/g. Additionally, the pore volume and diameter of SCBPE biochar saw substantial increases, indicating enhanced textural properties. Elemental analysis showed higher carbon content in SCBPE biochar, along with the introduction of potassium, while silicon and oxygen content were lower compared to the SCB biochar. SEM analysis indicated fine and smooth surfaces, with variations in pore structure and particle distribution due to polyester addition. FTIR analysis showed some relationship in functional groups between them. The enhanced properties of SCBPE biochar make it highly suitable for applications such as soil treatment, carbon capture, and pollutant removal. This study demonstrates the potential of recycling polyester fabric waste to significantly improve biochar properties. The enhanced SCBPE biochar exhibits substantial potential in practical applications, such as soil remediation, carbon sequestration, and pollutant adsorption, thereby demonstrating an eco-friendly solution for valourizing polyester waste and contributing to environmental sustainability.