Study of thermochemical recycling of textile wastes

Post-consumer textile waste is a serious concern as over two thirds of the postconsumer textiles end up in landfills. More than 95% of the waste could be recycled but only 15% is actually recycled nowadays. This project will test the thermal cracking of textile wastes at high temperatures (500–550°C) in a lab unit at UBC. The process is pyrolysis, a so-called thermochemical process. Pyrolysis generates gas, liquid, and solid products which can be used as direct fuels and/or raw materials for the synthesis of other valuable fuels and chemical products. This project will explore the different experimental conditions to achieve better product quality and yields. The intern will also assess the overall environmental impacts and economic performances of textile pyrolysis technology. The results of this project will offer a potential technology solution to the partner organization.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xiaotao Tony Bi

Student:

Partner:

Lululemon

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Retail trade

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: