Utilization of recycled polyester nonwovens as sorbent for oil spill cleanups

Abstract

Purpose The most widely recycled plastic in the world is recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). To minimize the environmental related issues associated with synthetic fibers, several researchers have explored the potential use of recycled polyester fibers in developing various technical textile products. This study aims to develop needle-punched nonwoven fabrics from recycled polyester fibers and investigate its suitability in oil spill cleanup process. Design/methodology/approach According to Box and Behnken factorial design, 15 different needle-punched nonwoven fabrics from recycled polyester fibers were prepared by changing the parameters, namely, needle punch density, needle penetration depth and fabric areal weight. Several featured parameters such as oil sorption, oil retention, oil sorption kinetics, wettability and reusability performance were systematically elucidated. Findings The maximum oil sorption of recycled nonwoven polyester is found to be 24.85 g/g and 20.58 g/g for crude oil and vegetable oil, respectively. The oil retention is about 93%–96% in case of crude oil, whereas 87%–91% in case of vegetable oil. Recycled polyester nonwoven possesses good hydrophobic–oleophilic properties with static contact angle of 138° against water, whereas 0° against crude oil and vegetable oil. The reusability test results indicate that recycled polyester nonwoven fabric can be used several times because of its reusability features. Originality/value There is no detailed study on the oil sorption features of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics developed from recycled polyester fibers. This study is expected to help in developing fabrics for oil spill cleanups.

Hollow polyester/kapok/hollow polyester fiber-based needle punched nonwoven composite materials for rapid and efficient oil sorption

“…However, it is reported that the relatively good results of reuse rate were no more than 75% after undergoing three oil sorption cycles. 23,47…”

“…However, it is reported that the relatively good results of reuse rate were no more than 75% aer undergoing three oil sorption cycles. 23,47 When the proportion of each component in the sample is 20HP/60K/20HP, its reuse rate is still in the rising stage. Nonetheless, when the proportion of each component reaches 30HP/ 40K/30HP and beyond, its reuse rate stabilizes in both experiments and remains largely unchanged.…”

Development of an oil-absorbent web by the dry-laid method from polypropylene and chemically treated kapok

“…With the trend of sustainable development, researchers have begun to focus on developing oil-absorbent materials from natural cellulose fibers (Subramoniapillai and Thilagavathi, 2021a). In terms of cost, cellulose fibers are more readily available and less expensive than the polypropylene fibers and polyester fibers currently used as oil spill membranes on the market (Amin et al , 2015; Renuka et al , 2016; Subramoniapillai and Thilagavathi, 2021b). In terms of the environment, cellulose fibers can be reused and are particularly biodegradable (Ron and Rosenberg, 2002; Ceylan et al , 2009).…”