Title:
Enhancing Textile Waste Recycling: Pyrolysis and Activated Carbon Production
Author(s):
Malk, V., Jafari, S., Sourander, M., Jordan, K., Kuokkanen, E., Karttaavi, T., Loikala, T.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Worldwide, around 92 million tons of textile waste are generated annually. This amount is expected to increase to 134 million tons yearly by 2030. These statistics emphasize a need for sustainable and innovative practices in textile waste management to mitigate environmental impacts. Currently, a significant portion of discarded textiles are used as a source for energy recovery in Finland. Certain textile waste materials including blend fabrics, synthetic fibers, and multilayer structures remain particularly challenging for recycling. This study addressed the recycling challenges of those difficult textile fractions and investigated their potential to undertake pyrolysis. Activation of carbon could produce a high-value-added product from textile waste for applications such as adsorption. Pilot-scale pyrolysis tests and laboratory-scale activation tests were conducted on textile waste materials. The pyrolysis temperature was adjusted at 650°C, and physical activation was accomplished at 900°C. Results showed successful pyrolysis of different textile materials and further test on the activation of merino wool produced activated carbon. Activation phase increased the specific surface area of the adsorbent characterized by BET method. So far, the experimental results are promising but further investigation is needed to optimize both the pyrolysis and activation processes and enhance the properties of the adsorbent.
Keywords:
activated carbon, municipal solid waste (MSW), pyrolysis, recycling, adsorption, fibre
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Municipal and industrial wastes
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.1.25
Pages:
193 - 196
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-1DV.1.25
Price:
FREE
