Development of Natural Fibre-Reinforced Semi-Finished Products with Bio-Based Matrix for Eco-Friendly Composites

Abstract

Increasing resource consumption and a growing amount of textile waste increase the importance of a circular economy and recycling in the fashion and apparel industry. Environmentally friendly bio-based composites made from cellulosic fibres obtained from textile waste, and polymers based on renewable raw materials present a possible solution. In this study, the development of textile semi-finished products based on medium-to-long cotton and flax fibres obtained from textile waste in combination with a bio-based thermoplastic matrix for lightweight applications is investigated. For the production of natural fibre-polylactide hybrid yarns, fibre slivers with improved fibre orientation and blending are produced. Subsequently, quasi-unidirectional woven fabrics are produced and consolidated into bio-based composites. Textile and mechanical properties of hybrid yarns as well as bio-composites are analysed with regard to the influence of fibre length, fibre distribution in the yarn, yarn structure and fibre volume content. The results show that the production of bio-based semi-finished products can be a potential way for upcycling textile waste.

Flax Fibre Yarn Coated with Lignin from Renewable Sources for Composites

“…One was examined in the 0° direction (weft yarn; FL-LI 0°) and one was examined in the 90° direction (warp yarn; FL-LI 90°) with regard to its mechanical properties. In addition, the characteristic values of a unidirectional flax-polylactide composite (FL-PLA UD composites) were compared for classification, as no composites made from coated natural fibre yarns could be found in the literature [ 33 ]. With the exception of the tensile and flexural elongation, the difference in mechanical properties between bidirectional and quasi-unidirectional fabric is clearly evident.…”

“…The same pressing parameters, which were determined and applied in [ 33 ], were used. They are given in Table 5 .…”

A Systematic Review of Recycled Cotton Fibre Blending Practices, Challenges and Recommendations

“…Other more recent studies used hydrolysis to be able to mix other types of fibres other than 35% polyester with 65% cotton with PET to improve the properties of the fibres [35] and 60% cotton with 40% PET [36].In addition, it is essential to mix recycled fibres with virgin fibres in a particular proportion so that the properties of the yarn are better and the fabric presents fewer defects; from the sample of 54 fabrics produced, ten were evaluated, and the author suggests the mixture of 50% VCF and 50% RCF as the adequate [37], for this it is required to separate the textures and fibre type of the materials, to achieve a quality as if new raw materials were used. Moreover, the yarn behaviour in elongation and strength criteria are adequate [38]. However, more are still required on the standard criteria for yarn quality from recycled fibres.…”

Advanced Extraction and Comprehensive Characterization of Sustainable Textile Fibers from Mango (<i>Mangifera indica L.</i>) Waste

“…Mango fiber, extracted from the mesocarp and composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, precisely parallels other plant fibers in its constitution [16,17]. Natural fibers are increasingly being incorporated as reinforcements in composite materials [18][19][20] and utilized as primary raw materials within the textile sector [21,22]. The textile industry categorizes fibers into synthetic (manufactured) and natural varieties, with the latter typically encompassing staple fibers notable for their relatively brief lengths.…”