Dissolvable Thread for Textile Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current textile recycling process is labor-intensive due to the need for manual separation of material fibers from non-fiber features in garments, which hinders efficient recycling and contributes to environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A recyclable thread or yarn is developed, comprising a dissolvable synthetic water-soluble polymer fiber and an insoluble natural fiber like cotton, twisted together to form a blend that dissolves in water at elevated temperatures, allowing for easy separation of fibers from non-fiber features during recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cutting is used to separate garment components during recycling, then separation can be achieved, but labor intensity is high and processing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating dissolvable fibers into the thread before the recycling process begins. These fibers are designed to dissolve under specific conditions (water immersion, heat, or enzymatic treatment), automatically separating garment components without requiring manual intervention during recycling. This pre-built dissolution capability eliminates the need for labor-intensive cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling environmental conditions (temperature, moisture, pH, or enzyme presence) to trigger the dissolution of specific fiber components. By changing these parameters, the thread automatically separates into dissolvable and non-dissolvable portions, enabling efficient component separation during recycling without manual labor.
2Productivity
If dissolvable fibers are used in the thread, then automatic separation during recycling is enabled, but the thread must withstand both use conditions and dissolution conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the thread into distinct functional segments: dissolvable fibers that separate during recycling and non-dissolvable fibers that maintain structural integrity during use. This segmentation allows each fiber type to perform its specific function optimally - the dissolvable portion enables automated separation while the non-dissolvable portion ensures reliable garment construction during the product lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining dissolvable fibers (e.g., starch-based, protein-based, or synthetic water-soluble polymers) with non-dissolvable fibers (e.g., cotton, polyester, or nylon) in a single thread structure. This composite construction allows the thread to exhibit dual characteristics: durability during use and controlled dissolution during recycling, resolving the contradiction between reliability and recycling automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces labor intensity in recycling by enabling garments to be easily torn apart after washing at elevated temperatures, facilitating the separation of fibers from non-fiber components, thus enhancing the efficiency of textile recycling and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the woven article, garment or textile is subjected in water to a condition to cause said dissolvable fiber to lose long range order to form a slurry or solution
Implementation Method 2
the dissolvable fiber dissolves in water at between 60° C. and 100° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A recyclable thread or yarn having a dissolvable fiber and an insoluble fiber is provided and incorporated into a woven article, garment or textile. The dissolvable fiber and the insoluble fiber are twisted to form the thread or yarn. The dissolvable fiber may be a synthetic water soluble polymer and may dissolve in water at between 60° C. and 100° C. The insoluble fiber may be cotton such as extra-long staple (ELS) cotton or Supima cotton. A process for recycling a woven article, garment or textile made with the recyclable thread or yarn is also provided. The process for recycling a woven article, garment or textile made with the recyclable thread or yarn includes subjecting the woven article, garment or textile in water to a condition to cause said dissolvable fiber to lose long range order to form a slurry or solution.