Polymer Matrix Sheet with Embedded Textile Particles for Waste Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recycling textile and leather scraps are complex and often require processing into fibers, making them difficult to reutilize effectively, especially for materials like tanned leather scraps which are typically discarded due to their processing history.
Innovation Solution
A sheet composed of a polymer matrix with embedded textile particles, where textile scraps are used as particles rather than fibers, allowing for simplified processing and inclusion of tanned leather scraps without compromising quality, using a process involving shredding, agglomeration, and extrusion to create a thermoplastic deformable material suitable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If textile scraps are processed into fibers through complicated operations, then the material quality is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of processing textile scraps into fibers through complicated operations, the invention inverts the approach by directly using the scraps as particles embedded in a polymer matrix. This eliminates the need for complex fiber processing while maintaining material quality through the composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material where textile particles are embedded in a polymer matrix. This composite approach allows the use of raw textile scraps without extensive processing, as the polymer matrix provides structural integrity and the textile particles contribute to the overall material properties.
2Productivity
If tanned leather scraps are used directly, then the recycling efficiency is improved, but the material compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and size parameters of the textile scraps by converting them into particles through shredding or grinding. This parameter change allows tanned leather scraps to be directly incorporated into the polymer matrix without compromising compatibility, as the particle form facilitates uniform distribution and bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer matrix acts as an intermediary that accommodates the textile particles, including tanned leather scraps. The matrix provides a compatible medium that binds the particles together, resolving potential compatibility issues between different textile materials and enabling direct use of processed scraps.
3Loss of time
If textile scraps are shredded and ground into particles, then the processing time is reduced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial processing to the textile scraps by shredding them into particles rather than completely processing them into fibers. This partial action reduces processing time compared to full fiberization while the energy consumption is managed by optimizing the shredding and grinding parameters to achieve sufficient particle size for composite incorporation.
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
The solution enables the efficient recycling and further processing of textile and leather scraps, offering a sustainable material with adaptable mechanical properties and wide application potential, including in shoe manufacturing and lifestyle products, while reducing material waste and processing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet consisting of a polymer matrix with textile particles embedded therein
Implementation Method 2
the polymer matrix is formed from a thermoplastic polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sheet consisting of textile particles embedded in a polymer matrix, and a process for the preparation thereof, and the use thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a layer structure consisting of the sheet according to the invention and at least one other layer.