Project

REcycling of waste ACrylic Textiles

Acronym
REACT
Code
41D08919
Duration
01 June 2019 → 30 September 2022
Funding
European funding: framework programme
Research disciplines
  • Engineering and technology
    • Textiles
Keywords
Recycling
 
Project description

Extremely durable and able to repel water, acrylic fabrics are widely used for outdoor awnings and patio furniture. However, to have the required characteristics for such use, it is needed to apply chemical finishes to the acrylic fabrics, so as to increase the hydro and oil-repellency, the resistance to UV and to fire. This makes the management of acrylic textile waste tricky. The EU-funded REACT project is developing an eco-friendly process to remove the hazardous chemicals from the finishing substances (fluorocarbons, melamine and acrylic resins, anti-mould agents), which affect the secondary raw material purity and their management. A mechanical recycling process will follow to obtain second life fibre and fabrics. The goal is to reduce the amount of landfill and incineration of acrylic textiles by at least 30 % for the outdoor sector (awnings and furnishing).

 
Role of Ghent University
Ghent University has assigned a Ph.D. student to work on the analysis and removal of finishing compounds and colourants in the waste acrylic textiles. The research is carried out in the Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering (MaTCh) in Gent-Zwijnaarde and the Department of Green Chemistry and Technology in Kortrijk.