Investigating the Synergistic Influence of Textile Additive on Thermal Behaviour of Recycled Plastic Materials

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the thermal behavior and combustibility of plastic-textile composites, utilizing elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. Study Design: An experimental design was employed, incorporating both elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTG). Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in Nigeria, specifically at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and the National Geosciences Research Laboratory, Kaduna between February to November 2022. Methodology: The procedure involved analyzing composite samples with varying ratios of plastic (PL) and textile (TE): PL25/TE75 (Sample A), PL50/TE50 (Sample B), PL75/TE25 (Sample C), pure plastic PL100 (Sample D), and pure textile TE100 (Sample E). Elemental analysis determined the composition of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. TGA and DTG were used to evaluate thermal stability and combustibility. Additionally, residual unburned materials and organic matter generation were quantified. Results: The experimental outcomes showed that increasing textile content led to a decrease in carbon and hydrogen, with a slight increase in oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. TGA revealed varying thermal stabilities: Samples A, D, and E exhibited higher onset temperatures, indicating greater thermal stability. Sample B displayed the least stability, while Sample C showed moderate stability. Combustibility patterns displayed multiple peaks in Samples B, C, D, and E, suggesting diverse component compositions, unlike Sample A. Residual unburned material ranked from highest to lowest: Sample C, Sample B, and Sample A. Sample E produced the highest organic matter, likely due to lignocellulosic and cellulosic fibers. Distinct decomposition processes and combustibility patterns suggested diverse compositions related to synthetic fibers and specific polymers. It is also important to note that the combustion of textile releases diverse byproducts, leading to residual unburned material and possible environmental risks from released harmful substance. Conclusion: The thermal and combustibility characteristics of these composites are significantly influenced by their composition ratios. The findings highlight potential applications of these composites as renewable fuel and in waste mitigation, aligning with SDGs 7 and 12. This research provides valuable insights into the thermal properties of plastic-textile composites, contributing to improved waste management practices.