The research team is investigating how waste textiles can be either transformed into fuel or reused as components for cement and concrete. This work addresses pollution, promotes circular economy models, and provides new approaches for managing industrial waste.
Textile waste management has proved difficult worldwide, as most textiles are either incinerated or end up in landfills, with a small fraction recycled into lower-value uses such as insulation, cleaning cloths, or padding. Complexities with synthetic fibres, additives, and fibre blends present challenges for recycling and often result in microplastics release. Consequently, textile disposal through incineration or landfilling prevails, though such methods add to CO2 emissions.
A promising reuse option is the integration of textile waste into cement and concrete production. According to Dr Raimonda Kubiliute of the KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology, "The cement industry, especially clinker firing processes in rotary kilns, contributes significantly to environmental pollution. This is why researchers are actively seeking ways to reduce the amount of conventional cement in cement-based mixtures by replacing it with alternative binders or fillers."
Efforts focus on reducing ordinary Portland cement's share in cement materials, decreasing clinker content, and lowering sector CO2 output. Evidence shows that industrial waste such as calcined smectitic clay can serve as a supplementary cementitious material without sacrificing strength.
KTU's initial results indicate that recycling polyester fibre from old apparel-added at 1.5 percent concentration-increases concrete's compressive strength by 15 to 20 percent and enhances its freeze-thaw resistance.
Thermal treatment of textiles at 300 degrees Celsius in an inert environment results in carbon-rich granules suitable as alternative fuels, with remaining ash as a byproduct. Ash's mineral and chemical characteristics impact its effectiveness when substituted for cement. KTU studies found that ash from textile combustion can substitute up to 7.5 percent of conventional cement and raise compressive strength by up to 16 percent under curing conditions.
"This technological solution not only reduces CO2 emissions during cement production but also provides an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to textile waste management," said Dr Kubiliute. While conversion of textile waste to alternative fuels is not yet widespread in Lithuania, its potential is increasingly acknowledged.
The findings are part of the "Production of Alternative Fuel from Textile Waste in Energy-Intensive Industries (Textifuel)" project, a collaboration between KTU and the Lithuanian Energy Institute.
Research Report:Application of smectitic clay waste for limestone calcined clay cement production
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