Pretreatment method for opening waste wool textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the physical recycling of waste wool textiles, the mechanical opening process results in significant fiber length loss and strength degradation, leading to increased short fiber content and reduced durability of recycled wool/polyester blended fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A pretreatment method involving the application of an oil agent (10% to 25% of the waste wool textiles' mass) followed by sealing at 0°C to 20°C and 30% to 90% moisture regain for 20 to 30 hours, which reduces friction between fibers and protects the wool fiber structure during mechanical opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical opening is performed directly on waste wool textiles, then the opening process can be completed, but significant fiber length loss and strength degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating waste wool textiles with an oil agent before mechanical opening. The oil agent penetrates the fabric and coats the fibers, creating a protective layer that reduces friction and mechanical stress during the subsequent opening process. This pre-treatment prevents fiber damage while maintaining opening efficiency, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and fiber strength preservation.
2Productivity
If mechanical opening is performed directly on waste wool textiles, then the opening process can be completed, but fiber length is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The oil agent treatment is applied before mechanical opening to protect fibers from excessive length reduction. The lubricating effect of the oil agent allows fibers to be separated with minimal stretching and breaking, preserving fiber length while still achieving effective opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil agent acts as an intermediary substance between the mechanical opening equipment and the wool fibers. It reduces direct mechanical contact and friction between fibers and equipment surfaces, thereby minimizing fiber length loss during the opening process while maintaining processing efficiency.
3Productivity
If mechanical opening is performed directly on waste wool textiles, then the opening process can be completed, but the fiber scale layer is combed off and the main trunk is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The oil agent pre-treatment protects the fiber structure before mechanical opening. The oil coating reduces mechanical stress concentration on fiber surfaces, preventing scale layer detachment and main trunk cracking while still allowing effective fiber separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil agent provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protective barrier on fiber surfaces before mechanical opening. This cushioning effect absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, preventing direct impact damage to the fiber scale layer and main trunk, thereby maintaining fiber integrity during the opening process.
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 pretreatment method enhances the breaking elongation of yarns, reduces yarn strength loss, and results in wool fibers with higher length, fineness, and tenacity after mechanical opening, minimizing fiber damage and improving the quality of recycled wool fibers.
Implementation Method 1
spraying an oil agent evenly on the surface of waste wool textiles... reduces friction between fibers and protects the wool fiber structure
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure discloses a pretreatment method for opening waste wool textiles, comprising the following steps: spraying an oil agent evenly on the surface of waste wool textiles, and then sealing; the amount of the oil agent is 10% to 25% of the mass of waste wool textiles.