Upcycling of denim discard for development of new material

Abstract

This study proposes to incorporate the process of upcycling textile discards by moulding polymers with denim fabric within the polymer matrix. This research seeks to develop a solid material that can be used in the development of new products. This paper is the result of the experimental phase, where the compression moulding process was applied to denim waste composed of cotton, elastane and polyethylene incorporating polymeric waste. Thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene, high density polymer and low-density polymer were used in the process. One of the objectives of the study was to process the material as little as possible, using waste without felting. The result is that a layer of polymer interspersed with the denim and a compression temperature of 165ºC is required for better adhesion. A compact material with different levels of malleability were achieved and the next phase of the study will be the material characterization step.