Investigation into the removal of a formaldehyde-free easy care cross-linking agent from cotton and the potential for subsequent regeneration of lyocell-type fibres

Abstract

1,2,3,4-Butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA)-treated cotton fabrics were immersed in alkali for increasing time periods and the effectiveness of alkali in removing the cross-linking agent was investigated by surface (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS) analysis, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solubility in specific solvents. The cellulose yield after the chemical 'stripping' processes was established and the effect of the alkali treatments on the degree of polymerization of the resultant cellulose determined. Surface analyses and solubility tests suggested that the alkali alone could successfully remove the BTCA from the crease resist-treated cotton fabric and produced a commercially viable yield of cellulose.

Surface chemical and colorimetric analysis of reactively dyed cellulosic fabric. The effect of ISO 105 CO9 laundering and the implications for waste cellulosic recycling

“…Previous studies have established that the application of crosslinking dyes and easy care finishes to cotton can significantly reduce the dissolution of waste cotton in swelling solvents and accordingly can limit the potential recycling of cellulosic materials through the Lyocell fibre regeneration process [18][19][20][21][22]. Therefore it is vital in any commercial processing of waste cotton that colourless crosslinking easy care finishes and coloured dyestuffs are effectively removed prior to dissolution.…”

Textile qualities of regenerated cellulose fibers from cotton waste pulp

“…Both Saxcell 7 and Haule et al. 10–12 have taken another step by utilizing their cotton waste pulps to make fibers. Saxcell claim to have succeeded both by the viscose and lyocell processes, 7 whereas Haule et al.…”

“…Saxcell claim to have succeeded both by the viscose and lyocell processes, 7 whereas Haule et al. 10–12 utilized the lyocell process. In a recent press release, Lenzing 13 announced the launch of Refibra™, a version of TENCEL® fiber made out of cotton scrap and wood pulp.…”

“…5,6 Also the Dutch company Saxcell, 7 the American company EvRnu 8 and the Swedish company Re:newcell 9 show similar objectives. Both Saxcell 7 and Haule et al [10][11][12] have taken another step by utilizing their cotton waste pulps to make fibers. Saxcell claim to have succeeded both by the viscose and lyocell processes, 7 whereas Haule et al [10][11][12] utilized the lyocell process.…”

“…Both Saxcell 7 and Haule et al [10][11][12] have taken another step by utilizing their cotton waste pulps to make fibers. Saxcell claim to have succeeded both by the viscose and lyocell processes, 7 whereas Haule et al [10][11][12] utilized the lyocell process. In a recent press release, Lenzing 13 announced the launch of Refibra TM , a version of TENCEL Õ fiber made out of cotton scrap and wood pulp.…”