Textile substrate with structurally integrated, destructible threads to facilitate material separation

Abstract

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Description

[0001] Textile substrate with structurally integrated, destructible threads to facilitate material separation

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to textile substrates, in particular those produced as knitted fabrics using weft and / or warp knitting techniques. The invention further encompasses the use of these textile substrates and methods for processing them. The fields of application of these textile substrates are diverse and include, among others, clothing, interior design, and technical textiles.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] The present invention therefore operates in the field of textile technology and focuses on the development of textile substrates produced using weft and / or warp knitting techniques. The current need for sustainable practices in the textile industry is particularly acute given the significant environmental impact of textile waste and the stringent regulatory requirements to promote environmentally friendly approaches.

[0006] Conventional textile products, which often consist of blends of different fiber types, including natural, man-made, and synthetic fibers, pose significant recycling challenges, particularly for the efficient separation of materials after use. These complex fiber blends pose significant challenges in the recycling process, as efficient separation of materials is technically difficult to implement. Existing technologies, such as the "dual-cycle" process described in European patent EP 2 532 775 B1 and the methods presented in Japanese patent documents, such as JP H08 81811 A, offer the recyclability of woven textiles. In particular, the "dual-cycle" process describes the manufacture of textile substrates in which warp and weft threads made of different, potentially recyclable materials are interlaced at right angles and arranged in a single layer.This technology promises easier separation of woven materials at the end of the product's life. While the claims patented in this process are capable of illustrating the separation of single-layer, material-technically different material groups in woven fabrics, they fail to address this for knitwear because they relate to weaving processes and cannot account for the logic of joining and unjointing within knitwear, nor for common stitch-forming processes such as plating (an additional thread is fed parallel to a primary surface-forming thread in the same stitch system, whereby this additional thread replicates exactly the same course as the primary surface-forming thread but is materially different), which is an essential prerequisite for effective recycling and minimal environmental impact.

[0007] Against this background, an innovative methodology for the development of textile substrates designed as knitted fabrics is necessary that takes into account the specific requirements of the fabric structure for effective recycling after the end of the textile substrate's lifespan. Knitted fabrics, which offer considerable sustainability potential due to their structural properties and their high share in global textile production, are the focus of this invention.

[0008] The invention presented here therefore aims to use detachable connection technology, also referred to here as a "textile screw," to create the basis for improved recycling of mixed-material textile knitwear, thus meeting the challenges of current waste management and resource efficiency in the textile industry. The invention presented here paves the way toward a textile circular economy with "design for disassembly."

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The aforementioned object is achieved by providing a textile substrate according to the features of patent claim 1, the use of such a textile substrate according to the features of patent claim 9, and a method for processing such a textile substrate according to the features of patent claim 10. Further developments of the textile substrate according to the invention are defined in patent claims 2 to 8.

[0011] Specifically, a textile substrate according to the invention, designed as a knitwear fabric, produced using weft-knitting and / or warp-knitting, comprises: first threads, each formed from one or more materials of a first material group; second threads, each formed from one or more materials of a second material group; and third threads, each formed from destructible material of a third material group that is destructible by a chemical and / or physical process. It is assumed that the first threads and the second threads can be recycled differently, or that each material of the first material group can be recycled differently than each material of the second material group.

[0012] Furthermore, the textile substrate is designed such that a connection between first threads and second threads is realized in at least one region of the textile substrate, in that at least one of the third threads is arranged in the at least one region of the textile substrate in such a way that the at least one of the third threads spatially connects first threads and second threads in the at least one region, in that the at least one third thread in the at least one region mutually crosses one or more first threads and one or more second threads, so that the connection between the first threads and the second threads in the at least one region is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads.

[0013] In this context, the above-mentioned wording “the at least one of the third threads spatially connects first threads and second threads in the at least one region in that the at least one third thread in the at least one region mutually crosses one or more first threads and one or more second threads” is intended to define that the at least one third thread in one section of the at least one region of the textile substrate crosses one or more first threads on one of the two opposite outer sides of the textile substrate and the at least one third thread in another section of the at least one region of the textile substrate crosses one or more second threads on the other of the two opposite outer sides of the textile substrate.

[0014] The above-mentioned specification that “the connection between the first threads and the second threads in the at least one region is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads” means in this context that in the at least one region there is no direct meshing between any of the first threads and any of the second threads.

[0015] This technique allows for a flexible and versatile design of the textile structure, supporting the efficient integration of different fiber types into a product. This is particularly advantageous because it enables the realization of specific functional and aesthetic properties through the combination of different materials. The textile substrate consists of a first material group, for example, made of skin-friendly cotton, which ensures comfort and breathability. The second material group can be made, for example, of a highly elastic polyamide, which offers additional durability and supports the thermoregulating properties of the textile substrate. This exemplary material combination optimizes comfort and functionality.Through the special combination of the third material group, consisting of destructible material, with the first and second material groups, the extent of interaction between a material from the first material group and a material from the second material group can also be controlled. The claimed method is thus particularly capable of meeting the challenges of increased wear comfort, wear resistance, etc.

[0016] A key feature of the textile substrate is the integration of the third material group, which consists of one or more destructible materials. The third threads formed from one or more materials of this third material group can be destroyed by chemical or physical processes, which enables separation of the various material components, i.e. separation of the first threads from the second threads, after the textile has reached the end of its service life. This targeted destructibility is crucial for recycling and sustainable reuse of the materials, as it allows the textile substrate to be broken down into its individual components at the end of its service life, i.e. the respective materials of the first material group and the respective materials of the second material group, so that these can be recycled separately.

[0017] The special arrangement of the third, destructible material group spatially connects the other two material groups by arranging them on opposite sides of the textile substrate from the perspective of the third, destructible material group. They can, but do not necessarily, lie opposite each other in the planar configuration of the outer surfaces of the textile substrate. This configuration supports the structural integrity of the textile substrate during use and facilitates the separation of the materials after the destruction of the third material group.

[0018] A useful embodiment of the invention provides that the first threads and / or the second threads are arranged in a defined pattern designed to enable specific functional and / or aesthetic properties of the textile substrate. This configuration, in which the materials of the material groups are arranged in a defined pattern, offers significant advantages. It enables adaptation to specific functional and aesthetic requirements, which is particularly valuable for sportswear and technical applications. Furthermore, the ordered thread structure facilitates recycling, which increases process efficiency and enables compliance with environmental standards such as the EU Green Deal and supports the eco-design guidelines contained therein by creating the basis for so-called "design for disassembly."

[0019] A further particularly expedient embodiment of the present invention may consist in that the destructible material of the third material group consists of a specially formulated polymer that is only destructible by specific factors.

[0020] This design focuses on destructible materials of natural or synthetic origin in the third material group that react to specific factors beyond their intended use: e.g., significant temperature changes, exposure to water, pressure, strong radiation, certain chemicals, and / or combinations thereof. The main advantage of this design is targeted and controlled destructibility, only under specific circumstances, which simplifies the separation and recycling of materials in the first material group and materials in the second material group without diminishing the product's utility or damaging the recycled material itself, i.e., the materials in the first material group and / or second material group.This environmentally conscious solution reduces textile waste and supports sustainable practices in the textile industry, which is in line with regulatory requirements such as the EU Green Deal, also because the special combination of material groups enables an increased lifetime of the textile substrate and at the same time increases the efficiency of material recycling.

[0021] The aforementioned design can also be further optimized in that specially formulated polymers are used as a material of the third material group, which can be actively destroyed by temperature fluctuations within a predefined range, by long-term radiation exposure and / or by persistent high humidity conditions at certain temperatures or by chemical influences such as strongly basic or strongly acidic, alone or in combination with such exposures, e.g. in the future also by industrial composting, specific treatment in a suitable facility such as autoclaves.This further development refines the polymer's destructibility through defined influences, taking into account the most optimal, cost-effective process for targeted destructibility, allowing for highly efficient separation of the material components at the end of the textile substrate's lifespan, supported by environmentally friendly disposal and optimized recycling. Precise control of the decomposition process maximizes the service life of the textile substrate and facilitates resource conservation by making the recycling process more efficient and reducing waste.

[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment of the textile substrate according to the invention, it is provided that the textile substrate additionally comprises layers or coatings which are such that they are compatible with the materials of the first, second and third material groups and do not impair their separability and recyclability.

[0023] Compatibility with the main materials of the substrate is not only related to their usefulness; it also does not impair their separability and recyclability. These layers also effectively protect against water, UV radiation, and microbial damage. This not only increases the service life and functionality of the textile substrate but also supports sustainable recycling processes, thus contributing to reducing environmental impact.

[0024] In a textile substrate according to the invention, it can also preferably be provided that the third threads are integrated into the textile substrate in such a way that they are arranged transversely to the second threads and the third threads, and thus support the structural integrity of the textile substrate during use of the textile substrate through their spatial arrangement, wherein the arrangement of the third threads enables easy separation of the first threads from the second threads or easy separation of the materials of the first material group from the materials of the second material group after destruction of the destructible material of the third material group without structural impairment of the first threads and the second threads during a recycling process.

[0025] This preferred embodiment emphasizes the third threads of the third material group of destructible material in the textile substrate, arranged transversely to the first and second threads, so that these third threads contribute significantly to the structural integrity of the textile substrate. This arrangement supports efficient separation of the materials during recycling, allowing the materials to be separated without structural damage. This facilitates the recycling process and improves sustainability through more effective reuse of the materials, which is consistent with environmentally friendly production practices and regulatory standards.

[0026] A further preferred embodiment of the textile substrate according to the invention is subjected to a post-treatment, such as calendering or, for example, a silicone coating, to improve physical properties of the textile substrate, such as tear resistance, colorfastness, and / or shrink resistance, without compromising its recyclability. The core advantage of this embodiment is that it improves the physical properties of the textile substrate without compromising its recyclability. This promotes the production of durable textiles that can still be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0027] The textile substrate can be designed such that the destructible material of the third material group is formed such that after destruction of the destructible material of the third material group by means of the chemical and / or physical process, the specially formulated polymer attaches as a polymer film to the first threads and / or the second threads and increases the strength of the first threads and / or the second threads.

[0028] Furthermore, in a textile substrate according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the third destructible material group, after destruction, attaches itself as a polymer film to the first threads (first material group) and the second threads (second material group) and, in dissolved form, reduces the adhesion in the moist state between the first threads of the first material group and the second threads of the second material group and / or, in the dried state of the form of the textile substrate already separated into materials of the first material group and materials of the second material group, increases the strength of the materials of the first material group and the second material group that are to be recycled in a pure manner.

[0029] This preferred development of the invention facilitates separation of the materials of the first and second material groups in the textile substrate without damaging their structural integrity, while simultaneously strengthening the recycled material for subsequent, possibly mechanical, processes. This development of the invention is particularly important for combinations of fiber and material groups with very different mechanical strengths, such as blends of cashmere and polyamide. While cashmere is very fragile during processing as a recycled material and therefore strengthening the structural integrity in the separation process by means of the polymer film of the third destroyed material group is very useful, a similar coating on polyamide does not interfere with the completely different recycling process for polyamide.

[0030] By improving separability and / or strengthening structural integrity, recycling becomes more efficient and environmentally friendly by optimizing the reuse of materials and thus contributing to the reduction of textile waste. This technology therefore contributes significantly to promoting sustainable practices in the textile industry.

[0031] Finally, the aforementioned development of the invention can preferably be further improved in that the liquor produced by the separation process consists of biodegradable polymers. Such materials include, for example, polyvinyl alcohol from Kuraray or polylactides, e.g., from Natureworks LTD, and optionally specifically modified polyester types.

[0032] This improved variant offers an environmentally friendly solution by incorporating biodegradable polymers for the textile substrate, which can be delivered to wastewater treatment plants in aqueous solution, making them biodegradable. These properties significantly improve the recyclability of the textiles by avoiding environmentally problematic wastewater streams and supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly processing – including waste side streams.

[0033] A textile substrate according to the invention is suitable for use as a textile substrate for all types of knitted fabrics, such as clothing, interior fittings or technical applications, which allow subsequent separation and recycling of different material components (materials of the first material group and materials of the second material group).

[0034] A method according to the invention for processing a textile substrate of the type mentioned above comprises the steps of: a) applying a chemical and / or physical method to destroy the destructible material of the third threads, b) mechanically separating the first threads from the second threads without structurally impairing these threads, and c) collecting the separated threads for recycling, wherein the destruction of the destructible material is carried out in such a way that a spatial separation of the first threads from the second threads is made possible by the specific spatial arrangement of the third threads.

[0035] In step c), the method advantageously enables particularly simple separation of the first threads from the second threads, since in the at least one region of the textile substrate according to the invention, a spatial connection between the first threads and the second threads is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads and, accordingly, in the at least one region, there is no direct intermeshing between any of the first threads and any of the second threads. After destruction of the destructible material of the third threads, the first threads are no longer bound to the second threads and can be easily separated from the second threads in the at least one region by mechanical separation.

[0036] Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Further features and advantages of the invention are explained below with the aid of a detailed description and explanation of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7. In detail:

[0038] Figure 1: a plan view of an outer side of a first embodiment of a textile substrate according to the invention, consisting of threads of three materials,

[0039] Figure 2: a plan view of an outer side of a second embodiment of a textile substrate according to the invention, consisting of threads of three materials,

[0040] Figure 3: a plan view of an outer side of a third embodiment of a textile substrate according to the invention, consisting of threads of three materials,

[0041] Figure 4: a plan view of an outer side of a fourth embodiment of a textile substrate according to the invention, consisting of threads of three materials,

[0042] Figure 5: Top views of an outer side of a fifth embodiment of a textile substrate according to the invention (left half), consisting of threads of three materials, as well as the view after destroying and removing the third threads from a destructible material of the third material group (right half).

[0043] Figure 6: Top views of an outer side of a sixth embodiment of a textile substrate according to the invention (left half), consisting of threads of three materials, as well as the view after destroying and removing the third threads from a destructible material of the third material group (right half).

[0044] Figure 7: Top views of an outer side of a seventh embodiment of a textile substrate according to the invention (left half), consisting of threads of three materials, as well as the view after destroying and removing the third threads made of a destructible material of the third material group (right half).

[0045] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0046] The same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the figures unless otherwise stated.

[0047] Figure 1 presents a "float" type knitting pattern, where the visible outer side is defined as the front side of the textile substrate 1 and the invisible, opposite outer side as the back side. This illustration demonstrates the arrangement with first threads 2, second threads 3, and third threads 4 from three different material groups, which are strategically placed to create a structure that meets the specific requirements of this invention.

[0048] The first threads 2 made of one or more (first) materials 20 of a first material group are shown on the front side of the textile substrate 1 without any filling, whereby they appear as white threads. The second threads 3 made of one or more (second) materials 30 of a second material group are visualized by a black hatched pattern and positioned in the center plane. The third threads 4 made of a destructible material 40 from a third material group consisting of destructible materials are shown with complete gray filling and arranged such that they encompass the front and back sides of the textile substrate 1 and thus connect the first threads 2 of the first material group with the second threads 3 of the second material group.

[0049] It is assumed here that the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 can be recycled differently and that the destructible material 40 of the third material group can be destroyed by means of a chemical and / or physical process without structurally impairing the first threads 2 and the second threads 4 by the chemical and / or physical process.

[0050] As Fig. 1 indicates, in at least one region B (a corresponding region B is represented in Fig. 1 by a rectangle shown with dashed lines) of the textile substrate 1, a connection between first threads 2 and second threads 3 is realized in that at least one of the third threads 4 is arranged in the at least one region B of the textile substrate 1 in such a way that the at least one of the third threads 4 spatially connects first threads 2 and second threads 3 in the at least one region B, in that the at least one third thread 4 in the at least one region B mutually crosses one or more first threads 2 and one or more second threads 3, so that the connection between the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 in the at least one region B is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads 4.

[0051] According to the invention, it is the third threads 4 of the third material group that play a crucial functional role. They spatially connect the first threads 2 of the first material group with the second threads 3 of the second material group, without any intermeshing between the first threads 2 of the first material group and the second threads 3 of the second material group. This special arrangement ensures that the first threads 2 of the first material group and the second threads 3 of the second material group remain physically separate, which simplifies their individual separation and recycling after the destruction of the third threads 4 of the third material group.

[0052] The aforementioned placement and functionality of these third threads 4 of the third material group not only enables efficient separation and recycling of the materials 20, 30 of the first and second material groups, but is also essential for sustainable textile production. This spatial configuration fulfills the technical specifications of the present invention and simultaneously demonstrates an innovative application of the "float" knitting technique, which aims to meet environmental standards and increase production efficiency.

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates a textile substrate 1 manufactured using the "spacer" knitting technique. This technique enables the creation of a three-dimensional textile with a defined spatial structure, resulting in increased thickness and improved thermal and acoustic insulation properties. The textile substrate again consists of three thread groups made of different materials 20, 30, 40. The first group of first threads 2 made of a first material 20 of a first material group and the second group of second threads 3 made of a second material 30 of a second material group are configured to form specific patterns or structures tailored to specific functional or aesthetic requirements.

[0054] The third group of third threads 4 consists of a specially formulated, destructible material 40 of a third material group. These third threads 4 are crucial for the structural integrity of the textile substrate 1 because they spatially connect the first threads 2 of the first material group and the second threads 3 of the second material group without any intermeshing between the first threads 2 and the second threads 3. They cross the first threads 2 of the first material group on one outer side (front side) of the textile substrate 1 and the second threads 3 of the second material group on the opposite outer side (back side). This arrangement enables easy separation of the materials for recycling purposes.

[0055] As Fig. 2 indicates, in at least one region B (a corresponding region B is represented in Fig. 2 by a rectangle shown with dashed lines) of the textile substrate 1, a connection between first threads 2 and second threads 3 is realized in that at least one of the third threads 4 is arranged in the at least one region B of the textile substrate 1 such that the at least one of the third threads 4 spatially connects first threads 2 and second threads 3 in the at least one region B, in that the at least one third thread 4 in the at least one region B mutually crosses one or more first threads 2 and one or more second threads 3, so that the connection between the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 in the at least one region B is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads 4.

[0056] The third threads 4 of the third material group are integrated into the textile substrate 1 such that they are arranged transversely to the threads 2, 3 of the first and second material groups. This supports the structural integrity of the textile substrate 1 and enables uncomplicated separation of the materials 20, 30 without structural impairment of the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 during a recycling process.

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates an innovative knit fabric produced using the weft knitting technique. This textile substrate 1 is again composed of three different material groups strategically positioned to meet specific functional requirements. The use of these three material types supports both structural integrity and sustainability through improved recyclability of the final product.

[0058] The first group of first threads 2 consists of a first material 20 of a first material group and appears in Figure 3 as white threads without filling. These first threads 2 form the basis of the textile substrate 1 and have been selected for their properties such as strength, flexibility, and colorfastness, which makes them particularly suitable for the basic structure of the knitted fabric.

[0059] The second group of second threads 3, depicted as horizontally extending threads with diagonally hatched filling, are made of a second material 30 of a second material group that differs from the first material 20. This arrangement aims to improve certain functional or aesthetic features of the textile substrate 1. These second threads 3 can function as reinforcing elements that introduce additional structural or decorative aspects into the knitted fabric.

[0060] The third and crucial group of third threads 4 is made of a destructible material 40 of a third material group, which can be destroyed by chemical and / or physical processes. These third threads 4 are shown in Figure 3 with a completely gray fill and a thick black outline and cross both the first threads 2 of the first material group and the second threads 3 of the second material group on the opposite outer sides of the textile substrate 1. This specific arrangement makes it possible to spatially connect the threads 2, 3 of the first and second material groups without any intermeshing between them. This is crucial for structural integrity and facilitates the separation of the materials 20, 30 for recycling purposes.

[0061] As Fig. 3 indicates, in at least one region B (a corresponding region B is represented in Fig. 3 by a rectangle shown with dashed lines) of the textile substrate 1, a connection between first threads 2 and second threads 3 is realized in that at least one of the third threads 4 is arranged in the at least one region B of the textile substrate 1 such that the at least one of the third threads 4 spatially connects first threads 2 and second threads 3 in the at least one region B, in that the at least one third thread 4 in the at least one region B mutually crosses one or more first threads 2 and one or more second threads 3, so that the connection between the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 in the at least one region B is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads 4.

[0062] In summary, Figure 3 demonstrates a thoughtful combination of materials 20, 30, and 40 and knitting techniques aimed at creating a highly functional textile that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. The use of destructible material 40 in a key position underscores the commitment to sustainable production practices by facilitating the subsequent separation and recycling of materials 20 and 30.

[0063] Figure 4 shows a textile substrate 1 produced using the "sweat" weft knitting technique, using different threads 2, 3, 4 made of at least three different materials 20, 30, 40. These threads 2, 3, 4 comprise a first group of first threads 2 made of a first material 20 of a first material group, a second group of second threads 3 made of a second material 30 of a second material group, and a third group of third threads 4 made of a destructible material 40 of a third material group. The destructible material 30, or every third thread 4, serves as a "textile screw" to hold the other threads 2, 3 together.

[0064] The destructible material 40 of the third material group is designed to be destroyed by specific chemical and / or physical processes, enabling the separation and recycling of the materials 20, 30 of the first and second material groups. The third threads 4 of the third material group are arranged in a defined area of ​​the textile substrate 1 such that they spatially connect the threads 2, 3 of the first and second material groups without intermeshing between the first threads 2 and the third threads 3. This enables structural integrity of the textile substrate 1 while ensuring easy separation of the materials 20, 30 during a recycling process.

[0065] As Fig. 4 indicates, in at least one region B (a corresponding region B is represented in Fig. 4 by a rectangle shown with dashed lines) of the textile substrate 1, a connection between first threads 2 and second threads 3 is realized in that at least one of the third threads 4 is arranged in the at least one region B of the textile substrate 1 such that the at least one of the third threads 4 spatially connects first threads 2 and second threads 3 in the at least one region B, in that the at least one third thread 4 in the at least one region B alternately crosses one or more first threads 2 and one or more second threads 3, so that the connection between the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 in the at least one region B is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads 4.The 'Sweaf' technique illustrated in Figure 4 creates a structure suitable for clothing, interior design, and technical applications where subsequent separation and recycling of material components is required. The specific arrangement and selection of materials 20, 30, 40 are designed to optimize the functional and aesthetic properties of the textile substrate 1 while enabling circular material flows through separability.

[0066] Figure 5 demonstrates a warp-knitted fabric. The left half of Figure 5 illustrates a textile substrate 1 composed of threads of two different materials 20, 30, and the connection by the third destructible material 40.

[0067] In the design (knitted with interlining including a "textile screw") according to the left half of Figure 5, the first threads 2 of the first material 20 of a first material group and the third threads 4 of the destructible third material 40 of a third material group use the warp knitting technique and are connected to each other via knitted stitches. Second threads 3 of the second material 30 of a second material group are integrated between these threads 2, 4 in the weft direction. A third thread 4 of the destructible third material 40 ("textile screw") connects two adjacent stitches of the first material 20, creating a robust connection between the materials 20, 30 and reinforcing the structural integrity of the warp-knitted fabric.This configuration supports the subsequent separation and recycling of the materials 20, 30, since after the destruction of the destructible material 40, an easy separation of the threads 2, 3 from the first and second materials 20, 30 is possible.

[0068] As Fig. 5 indicates, in at least one region B (a corresponding region B is represented in Fig. 5 by a rectangle shown with dashed lines) of the textile substrate 1, a connection between first threads 2 and second threads 3 is realized in that at least one of the third threads 4 is arranged in the at least one region B of the textile substrate 1 such that the at least one of the third threads 4 spatially connects first threads 2 and second threads 3 in the at least one region B, in that the at least one third thread 4 in the at least one region B mutually crosses one or more first threads 2 and one or more second threads 3, so that the connection between the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 in the at least one region B is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads 4.The right half of Figure 5 shows materials 20, 30 after removal of material 40 and illustrates the design for disassembly.

[0069] Figure 6 illustrates a biaxial warp knit fabric, which is also characterized by the use of a destructible material 40 from a third material group, referred to here as a "textile screw." The left illustration demonstrates the use of the "textile screw," which also binds the first threads 2 of the first material 20 of a first material group in the warp direction. Between these stitches, which are formed between the first threads 2 of the first material group and third threads 4 of the destructible material 40 of the third material group, second threads 3 of the second material 30 of a second material group are incorporated in the weft direction. This configuration allows the materials 20 to remain as a surface and the materials 30 as loose threads, unconnected to one another after the destructible material 40 has been destroyed, which allows for easy separation of the first threads 2 from the second threads 3.The left side of Figure 6 also shows how the integration of the "textile screw" improves the structural integrity of the warp knit fabric while being useful for applications requiring subsequent separation and recycling of the materials 20, 30.

[0070] As Fig. 6 indicates, in at least one region B (a corresponding region B is represented in Fig. 6 by a rectangle shown with dashed lines) of the textile substrate 1, a connection between first threads 2 and second threads 3 is realized in that at least one of the third threads 4 is arranged in the at least one region B of the textile substrate 1 such that the at least one of the third threads 4 spatially connects first threads 2 and second threads 3 in the at least one region B, in that the at least one third thread 4 in the at least one region B mutually crosses one or more first threads 2 and one or more second threads 3, so that the connection between the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 in the at least one region B is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads 4.

[0071] The right half of Figure 6 shows materials 20, 30 - after removal of material 40 and illustrates the “Design for Disassembly”.

[0072] Figure 7 also presents a warp-knitted fabric characterized by the use of a destructible material 40 as a structure-influencing element. This "textile screw" serves in the left-hand illustration as a connecting link between first threads 2 made of a first material 20 of a first material group and second threads 3 made of a second material 30 of a second material group. Here, the first threads 2 made of the first material 20 run in the warp direction and are connected by knitting with third threads 4 made of the destructible material 40 via specially created stitches. Interspersed between them in the weft direction are second threads 3 made of the second material 30, which allow for easy separation of the materials 20, 30 after the destruction of the third material 40. This structure is designed to enable uncomplicated separation of the materials 20, 30 after use, which represents an important requirement for recycling processes.

[0073] As Fig. 7 indicates, in at least one region B (a corresponding region B is represented in Fig. 7 by a rectangle shown with dashed lines) of the textile substrate 1, a connection between first threads 2 and second threads 3 is realized in that at least one of the third threads 4 is arranged in the at least one region B of the textile substrate 1 such that the at least one of the third threads 4 spatially connects first threads 2 and second threads 3 in the at least one region B, in that the at least one third thread 4 in the at least one region B mutually crosses one or more first threads 2 and one or more second threads 3, so that the connection between the first threads 2 and the second threads 3 in the at least one region B is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads 4.

[0074] The right half of Figure 7 shows materials 20, 30 - after removal of material 40 and illustrates the “Design for Disassembly”.

[0075] Additionally, Figures 1-7 include coatings not shown in the textile substrate 1 that are compatible with materials 20, 30, and 40 and provide specific physical barriers against water, UV radiation, and microbial attack. These treatments improve physical properties such as tear strength and shrink resistance. The coatings and treatments applied to the textile substrate 1 are compatible with the materials of the three thread or material groups and do not impair their separability or recyclability.

[0076] In conclusion, the innovative integration of the "textile screw" into the textile substrate 1, consisting of materials 20, 30, and 40, offers both functional and ecological advantages. Functionally, the targeted arrangement of these materials—with the first material 20 (e.g., cotton) placed closer to the body due to its skin-friendly properties, and the second material 30 (e.g., polyamide) on the outer side facing away from the body—enables optimal use of the textile properties. The "textile screw," for example, made of a hydrophilic material such as polyvinyl alcohol, not only promotes moisture exchange between the layers and thus increases wearing comfort, but also improves the technical properties such as the product's durability.

[0077] From an ecological perspective, the invention enables clean separation of materials 20 and 30 at the end of their life cycle, thus enabling efficient recycling. The economically attractive revenue stream created by clean separation significantly improves the product's sustainability.

[0078] The destruction of the thread system of the "textile screw" results in a significant reduction in thread density in the remaining materials and surfaces, even allowing the recycling of individual threads (2, 3). This reduced density facilitates subsequent processing of the materials to be recycled (20, 30), such as shredding and carding, for the production of new yarns. Short fiber content is reduced, and the quality and quantity of recycled fibers increases.

[0079] The introduction of this technology not only promotes environmentally friendly production practices but also complies with regulatory requirements, such as those set out in the EU Green Deal. These measures contribute significantly to reducing textile waste and promoting circularity in the textile industry.

[0080] List of reference symbols

[0081] 1 textile substrate

[0082] 2 first threads

[0083] 3 second threads

[0084] 4 third threads

[0085] 20 first material of the first material group

[0086] 30 second material of the second material group

[0087] 40 destructible material of the third material group

[0088] B Area of ​​textile substrate 1

Claims

Patent claims 1. A textile substrate (1) in the form of a knitted fabric, produced using weft and / or warp knitting techniques, comprising: first threads (2), each formed from one or more materials (20) of a first material group; second threads (3), each formed from one or more materials (30) of a second material group; and third threads (4), each formed from destructible material (40) of a third material group, which can be destroyed by a chemical and / or physical process; wherein the first threads (2) and the second threads (3) can be used differently;wherein in at least one region (B) of the textile substrate (1) a connection between first threads (2) and second threads (3) is realized in that at least one of the third threads (4) is arranged in the at least one region (B) of the textile substrate (1) in such a way that the at least one of the third threads (4) in the at least one region (B) spatially connects first threads (2) and second threads (3) in that the at least one third thread (4) in the at least one region (B) alternately crosses one or more first threads (2) and one or more second threads (3), so that the connection between the first threads (2) and the second threads (3) in the at least one region (B) is realized exclusively by the at least one of the third threads (4); 2. Textile substrate (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first threads (2) and the second threads (3) are arranged in a defined pattern designed to enable specific functional and / or aesthetic properties of the textile substrate (1).

3. Textile substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the destructible material (40) of the third material group consists of a specially formulated polymer which is destructible by specific exposure to temperature, pressure, UV light, chemicals, moisture, in an aqueous medium and in combination of the above factors.

4. Textile substrate (1) according to claim 3, wherein the destructible material (40) of the third material group consists of a specially formulated polymer which is biodegradable.

5. Textile substrate (1) according to claim 3, wherein after destruction of the destructible material (40) of the third material group by means of the chemical and / or physical process, the specially formulated polymer attaches as a polymer film to the first threads (2) and / or the second threads (3) and increases the strength of the first threads (2) and / or the second threads (3).

6. Textile substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the textile substrate (1) additionally comprises layers or coatings which are such that they are compatible with the materials (20, 30, 40) of the first, second and third material group and do not impair their separability and recyclability, and wherein these layers or coatings provide specific physical barriers against water, UV radiation and / or microbial influences.

7. Textile substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the third threads (4) are integrated into the textile substrate (1) in such a way that they are arranged transversely to the second threads (2) and the third threads (3), and thus support the structural integrity of the textile substrate (1) during use through their spatial arrangement, wherein the arrangement of the third threads (3) enables easy separation of the first threads (2) from the second threads (3) or easy separation of the materials (20) of the first material group from the materials (30) of the second material group after destruction of the destructible material (40) of the third material group without structural impairment of the first threads (2) and the second threads (3) during a recycling process.

8. Textile substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, which is subjected to a post-treatment, such as calendering or a permanent coating with silicone, in order to improve physical properties, such as tear resistance, color fastness and / or shrinkage resistance, of the textile substrate (1), without affecting recyclability of the textile substrate (1).

9. Use of a textile substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 for all types of knitted fabrics, such as clothing, interior fittings or technical applications, which allow subsequent separation and recycling of material components.

10. A method for processing a textile substrate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: a) applying a chemical and / or physical method to destroy the destructible material (40) of the third threads (4), b) mechanically separating the first threads (2) from the second threads (3) without structurally impairing these threads (2, 3), and c) collecting the separated threads (2, 3) for recycling, wherein the destruction of the destructible material (40) takes place in such a way that a spatial separation of the first threads (2) from the second threads (3) is made possible by the specific spatial arrangement of the third threads (4).