Hydrothermal Textile Decolorization Using Reusable Adsorbent Materials

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for decolorizing textile materials, such as chemical bleaching and solvent extraction, generate waste and can damage fibers, while solvent extraction uses harmful petroleum solvents, posing environmental and health risks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using hydrothermal conditions with dye adsorbent materials like activated carbon and cross-linked polystyrene to decolorize textile materials dyed with disperse dyes, employing water as a solvent and allowing for repeated use of adsorbent materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical bleaching is used to decolorize textile materials, then decolorization effectiveness is improved, but harmful factors increase due to waste water generation and potential fiber damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecolorization effectivenessVSAvoidfiber damage and waste water

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the decolorization process by replacing chemical reagents with physical adsorption under hydrothermal conditions. Textile materials are treated with adsorbent materials at elevated temperatures (80-180°C) and pressures, transforming the process from chemical to physical, thereby eliminating harmful chemical waste while maintaining decolorization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes chemical action with physical adsorption mechanisms. Adsorbent materials such as activated carbon, molecular sieves, and clay minerals physically adsorb dye molecules from textile fibers through surface interactions, replacing the need for chemical bleaching agents and eliminating associated environmental harm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If solvent extraction is used to remove dyes from textile materials, then decolorization is achieved, but harmful factors increase due to use of toxic petroleum solvents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye removal efficiencyVSAvoidtoxic solvent exposure and environmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the solvent parameter from organic petroleum-based solvents to water as the processing medium. By conducting adsorption under hydrothermal conditions with water, the process eliminates toxicity while maintaining dye removal efficiency, as the elevated temperature and pressure enhance water's ability to facilitate dye transfer to adsorbent materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adsorbent materials as intermediary substances that mediate between the dye molecules and the textile fibers. These intermediaries (activated carbon, molecular sieves, clay minerals) capture dye molecules through physical adsorption, replacing the need for direct solvent-dye interaction and eliminating toxic solvent requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If traditional decolorization methods are used, then color removal is achieved, but loss of substance increases due to chemical reagents and solvents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecolorization rateVSAvoidchemical reagents and solvents

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the state parameters of water to supercritical or near-supercritical conditions through elevated temperature and pressure. This parameter change enhances water's solvent and transport capabilities, allowing efficient dye removal with minimal water consumption and eliminating the need for large volumes of chemical reagents or organic solvents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables recovery and reuse of the adsorbent materials after they have captured dye molecules. The saturated adsorbents can be regenerated through heating or solvent washing, allowing the same adsorbent material to be used multiple times, thereby reducing substance loss and waste generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Achieves high decolorizing rates of up to 94% without damaging the textile structure, using non-toxic and environmentally friendly methods, with the potential for significant reduction in waste and resource conservation.

Implementation Method 1

treating the textile materials under hydrothermal condition in a decolorization reactor in the case where the textile materials are in contact with the dye adsorbent materials, so as to at least partially decolorize the textile materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11085148B2Methods and systems for decolorizing textile materials

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 THE HONG KONG RES INST OF TEXTILES & APPAREL

AI summary

Provided herein is a method for decolorizing textile materials under hydrothermal conditions using dye adsorbent materials. The process is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, and the adsorbent materials can be repeatedly used. The textile materials are textile materials dyeable with disperse dyes. Further provided is a system for decolorizing textile materials. The decolorization system is designed to allow the adsorbent materials to react with the textile materials in a contact manner and a non-contact manner.