Investigating the properties of recycled and virgin poly (ethylene terephthalate) textured yarns: Effect of different blending ratios

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in the use of recycled polyester in the textile industry, driven largely by the sustainability goals of the European Green Deal. These environmental objectives have encouraged both researchers and manufacturers to develop more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional textile production. Recycling polyester from post-consumer and post-industrial waste offers significant environmental benefits, such as reducing landfill accumulation and lowering carbon emissions. However, challenges still remain, including ensuring the quality of recycled material and its compatibility with existing manufacturing processes. This study focuses on investigating the blending of recycled and virgin poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) to produce textured yarns suitable for textile applications. Understanding how blending ratios influence yarn performance is crucial for promoting the use of recycled materials in mainstream textile production. In this research, different blend ratios of recycled to virgin PET—100:0, 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 (% w/w)—were used to produce yarns. The resulting yarns were tested for their mechanical, thermal, and color properties. The results showed that the blending ratio significantly effects the thermal and mechanical properties of the yarns, such as tensile strength and elasticity. However, the dyeability and color characteristics were not significantly impacted by the presence of recycled content. These findings suggest that incorporating recycled PET into yarn production can be achieved without compromising visual or dyeing quality, making it a promising approach for sustainable textile manufacturing. © 2025 Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Union of Chemists in Bulgaria.