Trash to Textiles: The Journey of Recycled Plastic in Fashion
Author :
Sachin GiharJourna Name:
International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Volume:
11 issue:6 Year:Volume-11-issue-6 Views : 13
Abstract:
Plastic is ubiquitous in modern society, permeating nearly every industry, including fashion and textiles. With the exponential rise of fast fashion, synthetic fibers like polyester have become major contributors to environmental pollution. Up to 2018, the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans reached critical levels, prompting urgent scientific intervention. This paper explores the journey of transforming recycled plastics into viable textile materials. We delve into the environmental impacts of synthetic fibers, the mechanical and chemical procedures for upcycling, and the application of compatibilizers specifically SEBS-g-MA-to enhance the structural integrity of recycled polymers. Through detailed analysis, including pie diagrams, bar charts, and curve graphs, we assess the performance of recycled fibers compared to virgin materials. While compatibilization offers a promising avenue for improving tensile strength and creating durable textiles, challenges such as scalability, cost, and the degradation of polymer chains remain significant barriers to large-scale adoption.