Methods for recycling cotton and polyester fibers from waste textiles
US12006403B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided that involve a subcritical water reaction to recycle the cellulose and polyester components of waste cotton and cotton/polyester blend textiles that would otherwise be discarded or disposed of. Specifically, the disclosed methods provide for treatment of the waste textiles to produce advanced materials including cellulose and terephthalic acid (TPA) with a low environmental impact. The cellulose and TPA that are produced are of a high quality allowing for production of regenerated cellulose and regenerated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) suitable for fiber spinning and textile applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.