Comparison of the physical and chemical features of composites produced from textile waste and cellulose plants

One of the most pressing unresolved environmental challenges is the massive accumulation of unrecycled textile waste. In this study, we demonstrate that reinforcing recycled textile materials with plant-based cellulose fibers can yield functional composite materials. The following natural fibers were investigated: sisal, cotton, linen, coconut, wood, abaca, jute, and hemp. Both the textiles and plant fibers were ground into fragments ranging from 2 to 15 mm in length. Plant-textile composites were produced using an extruder at temperatures up to 195 °C, allowing for the plasticization of the polymer components in the textile waste. Plant fibers were incorporated into the recycled textile matrix at concentrations ranging from 3 % to 6 % by weight. A total of 19 different composite samples were fabricated and tested for their mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and compressive resistance. FTIR spectra of all cellulose fibers exhibited characteristic cellulose absorption bands, with notable differences in intensity and distribution. The O-H stretching band (3600-3200 cm^-1), indicative of hydrogen bonding within cellulose, varied significantly across the different fiber types. SEM micrographs revealed that the surface of the sisal-reinforced composite was relatively smooth and uniform, while the fiberglass composite exhibited a rough and crinkled surface morphology. In conclusion, composites made from recycled textiles and plant-based fibers represent a promising class of eco-friendly materials with potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional composites.