We all know the discarded PET bottles coming back into life into different textile products. However, less importance has been given to other plastics, for example, Polyethylene bags which are a significant source of pollution. In low-income countries, the recycling facilities are not good, giving rise to the enormous amount of these discarded shopping bags in the environment. Over 380 million tons of plastic are produced each year roughly. Approximately 35.7 million tons are used by the U.S. alone, most of which consists of plastic bags. The majority of plastic bags are used for approximately 12 minutes, and it takes at least 500 years for one to degrade in a landfill.
Now researchers have successfully converted the polyethylene bags into yarns and textiles. The team of engineers found a way to spin polyethylene into fibers and yarn first made from spaghetti strings and weaved in a way that would allow it to absorb water and sweat. The researchers modeled the yarn by testing the wicking ability over cotton, nylon and polyester by dipping strips in water and measuring the time it took for the liquid to climb up each strip. The plastic yarn wicked away and evaporated the water faster than other common textiles.
Scientists say that sportswear, shoes, army uniforms, and perhaps even spacesuits can be formed from fabric created out of plastic bags. The eco-friendly, recycling textile could revolutionize fashion as it resists dirt and can be washed on a cold cycle in just 10 minutes. While researchers noted the polyethylene lost some of its water-attracting ability with repeated wetting, applying friction or exposing it to ultraviolet light rejuvenated the material. The researchers also expressed that polyethylene has a lower melting temperature and costs less energy to produce than PET. Therefore, such recycling could be a game-changer if adopted worldwide.
