Preparation and properties of waste cotton based regenerated cellulose aerogel fibers

Abstract The sustainable conversion of waste cotton textiles into regenerated cellulose aerogel (RCA) fibers presents a promising strategy for textile waste valorization. This study develops an eco-friendly process to fabricate RCA fibers through zinc chloride-based solvent dissolution followed by wet spinning and vacuum freeze-drying. Systematic characterization revealed complete crystal transformation from cellulose I to cellulose II (XRD peak shift from 2θ=22.6° to 21.3°), confirming effective dissolution-recrystallization, while FTIR spectra (C-O-C vibration at 1162 cm ‐1 ) verified preserved cellulose backbone integrity. A single-factor experimental design elucidated critical process-property relationships: optimal mechanical performance was achieved at 5wt% spinning dope concentration, 20G needle size, 40 min aging time, and 110% draw ratio. This work establishes a closed-loop recycling paradigm that enhances both the economic viability and environmental sustainability of textile waste management.