Selective Chemical Extraction of Synthetic Fibres for Origin Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical methods for separating synthetic fibers from blends with natural or semi-synthetic fibers alter the integrity of the natural or semi-synthetic fibers, making it impossible to reliably determine their origin through stable isotope analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of extractant solutions to separate synthetic fibers from a blend, followed by drying and analyzing the residue for isotope ratios and trace element concentrations, preserving the integrity of the natural or semi-synthetic fibers for accurate origin determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical processes are used to separate synthetic fibres from natural or semi-synthetic fibres, then the synthetic fibres can be removed from the blend, but the natural or semi-synthetic fibres are altered and their integrity for traceability determination is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the synthetic fibre component from the blend using selective chemical dissolution. The extractant solution is specifically chosen to dissolve synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon, elastane) while leaving natural or semi-synthetic fibres (cotton, wool, silk, hemp, linen, jute, viscose, modal, rayon, acetate, lyocell, cupro) intact and unaffected. This selective extraction removes the interfering synthetic component without altering the integrity of the natural or semi-synthetic fibres, enabling reliable stable isotope analysis for origin determination.
2Measurement precision
If stable isotope analysis is performed on a blend of synthetic and natural or semi-synthetic fibres, then origin determination can be attempted, but the presence of synthetic fibres interferes with establishing the fingerprint of the natural or semi-synthetic fibre component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the synthetic fibre component from the blend before performing stable isotope analysis. By dissolving only the synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon, elastane) in the extractant solution and separating them from the natural or semi-synthetic fibres, the interference that would otherwise mask or distort the isotopic fingerprint is eliminated. This enables accurate measurement of stable isotope ratios and trace element concentrations that truly reflect the origin of the natural or semi-synthetic fibre component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fibre blend into two distinct components: synthetic fibres and natural or semi-synthetic fibres. This segmentation is achieved through selective chemical dissolution where the extractant solution targets and dissolves only the synthetic fibre component, allowing physical separation. The segmented natural or semi-synthetic fibre component can then be analyzed independently for stable isotopes and trace elements without interference from the synthetic component.
3Productivity
If existing chemical separation methods are used for recycling synthetic fibres, then synthetic fibres can be recovered, but the natural or semi-synthetic fibres are altered and cannot be used for traceability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective extraction to remove only the synthetic fibre component from the blend for recycling purposes. The extractant solution is specifically designed to dissolve synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon, elastane) while leaving natural or semi-synthetic fibres completely intact. This allows the synthetic fibres to be recovered from the solution for recycling, while the natural or semi-synthetic fibres remain in their original state and can subsequently be used for stable isotope analysis and origin determination.
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 method effectively removes synthetic fibers while maintaining the isotope ratios and trace element concentrations of natural or semi-synthetic fibers, allowing for reliable determination of their origin.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a sample of the material with an extractant solution to form a solution or suspension comprising i) synthetic fibres and fragments of the synthetic fibres
Implementation Method 2
drying the solid residue
Data Source
AI summary
A method for separating synthetic fibres from a blend of synthetic fibres and semi-synthetic or natural fibres while maintaining the integrity of the semi-synthetic or natural fibre material for analysis to determine the origin of the fibre by stable isotope analysis or determination of trace element concentrations, or both, and comparing the data against data for fibres of known origin.