The Effect of Recycled Polyester (rPET) Filament Fiber Properties on Various Woven Fabric Performance Properties

Abstract

In order to reduce the requirement of waste eliminating and environmental pollution, recycling seems to be a suitable solution. In this study, polyester fibers with three different number of filament and two fiber cross section form (round and plus) were spun from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) polymer and texturised on an industrial scale. rPET yarns were used as a weft yarn in woven fabric production. Fabric performance properties such as breaking, tearing and seam slippage resistance, weight, breaking elongation, abrasion resistance and air permeability were analysed and compared with that of virgin PET fabrics. As a result of this study, it was determined that virgin and rPET polymers provided almost similar fabric properties. Higher number of filaments gave lower fabric breaking elongation, seam strength, abrasion resistance and air permeability values while led to higher tearing strength. Except fabric weight and tensile properties, filament cross section had a significant affect on other studied fabric properties.

The effect of recycled fiber content on performance/quality properties of swimwear fabrics

“…The abrasion resistance of textile materials is an important feature that determines the lifespan of fabrics. 16 The abrasion resistance of the fabric samples was evaluated by the mass loss difference between the masses before and after abrasion cycles. It is observed that all swimwear fabric samples withstand 15,000 rubbing cycles without any damage.…”

“…In order to achieve the required material properties and performance, recycled fibers can be blended with virgin fibers. 5,6,[14][15][16] Nowadays, some brands, such as Econyl, Repreve, Amni Soul Eco®, Batoko have focused on promoting the use of recycled synthetic fibers in swimwear design to reduce the environmental impact of synthetics. 16,17 In this study, the effect of recycled fiber content on the performance/quality properties of swimwear fabrics was investigated, with the aim of contributing to the circular economy.…”

“…5,6,[14][15][16] Nowadays, some brands, such as Econyl, Repreve, Amni Soul Eco®, Batoko have focused on promoting the use of recycled synthetic fibers in swimwear design to reduce the environmental impact of synthetics. 16,17 In this study, the effect of recycled fiber content on the performance/quality properties of swimwear fabrics was investigated, with the aim of contributing to the circular economy. The performance/quality properties of swimwear fabrics produced from recycled fiber and recycled fiber/ virgin fiber combination (100% recycled polyester and 50% recycled polyester/50% polyamide) were compared with those produced from virgin fiber (100%polyester and 100% polyamide).…”