Ecological Approaches in Textile Sector: The Effect of r-PET Blend Ratio on Ring Spun Yarn Tenacity

Abstract

As the strategy of waste-management, it is very important to ensure that waste materials are recycled and reused in different industry in order to protect the ecological environment and there are so many initiatives related to this subject. Especially in the textile industry, recycling of PET bottle waste into recycled polyester fiber (r-PET) has made a difference in the industry to reduce load on environment pollution. In addition, it contributes to reducing the fossil fuels sources, water and energy which is the required amount in the production of synthetic polymers. With supporting these attempts, we have to fulfill our social responsibility in order to preserve the ecological balance. This study aims to compare the tenacity and elongation properties of ring spun yarns produced from r-PET fibers recycled from waste PET bottles and cotton fiber at different blend ratios. Besides, virgin PET fibers were also used to conduct the difference between recycled and virgin fibers. Both r-PET and virgin PET fibers were blended with cotton as 100%, 70%/30%, 50%/50% and 30%/70% ratios. All production parameters were constant to determine the effect of raw materials on yarn tenacity and elongation. Results showed that ring spun yarns containing r-PET fibers had lower tenacity and elongation than virgin PET. On the other hand, the quality parameters of r-PET fibers can be improved by technological developments, and so they will be preferred to preserve the ecological balance.