Analysing the effect of mechanically recycled cotton fibres from pre-consumer wastes on mechanical and fastness properties of knitted fabrics

PurposeThe study aimed to investigate the impact of mechanically recycled cotton fibres from pre-consumer waste, blended with virgin cotton at varying ratios, on the mechanical and fastness properties of knitted fabrics.Design/methodology/approachSingle jersey fabrics were produced using open-end rotor yarns with two different yarn counts, which were made from cotton blends obtained at three different mechanical recycled cotton blend ratios. The fabrics were then comparatively analysed for pilling resistance, bursting strength, dimensional stability, and fastness to perspiration, water, and rubbing. The investigations included fabrics made from 100% virgin cotton to determine the impact of mechanically recycled cotton fibres on the final fabric properties.FindingsIt was observed that using MR-CO at different ratios generally produced results similar to the usage properties obtained when using virgin cotton.Originality/valueThe study looked in detail at the effect of using mechanically recycled cotton (MR-CO) on the yarn properties and the mechanical and colour fastness properties of the fabrics produced using them. It was found that MR-CO has the potential to be an alternative fibre source to virgin cotton, not only mechanically but also in terms of colour fastness. Previous studies have commonly used MR-CO in fixed ratios or by incorporating various fibres into the blend. However, in this study, we determined the suitability of fabrics for their intended use by gradually increasing the MR-CO blend ratios and more clearly assessing the impact of MR-CO on fabric properties.