Method for separating components of mixed textile feedstock for recycling

Abstract

Chemical processing techniques for separating components of mixed textile feedstocks for recycling are described. In an embodiment, a method can comprise contacting a mixed textile feedstock comprising a polyester material, a cellulosic material, a disperse colorant, and elastomeric polymers with a solution comprising a cyclic ketone solvent at a first temperature to extract at least some of the disperse colorant and at least some of the elastomeric polymers, resulting in an intermediate textile feedstock excluding the at least some of the disperse colorant and the at least some of the elastomeric polymers; contacting the intermediate textile feedstock with the solution at a second temperature greater than the first temperature to extract at least some of the polyester material in the solution; and extracting the at least some of the polyester material from the solution, resulting in extracted polyester material. The method further results in isolated cellulosic material.

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