The Extraction of Co-PET from Non-Woven Fabrics of Nylon/Co-PET Sea-island Type Composite Microfiber

To find a suitable condition in this process examined, we investigated the main control factors, such as, the NaOH concentrations, such as, the NaOH concentrations, the heat treating times, and the heating temperatures. The resulting mechanical properties of the fabrics also studied. The samples used were Nylon/Co-PET sea-island type composite microfiber (Co-PET content: 35%) non-woven fabric. The conclusions obtained were as follows. 1. For the complete extraction of Co-PET from the sample non-woven fabric in the dry hot air process, $160^{\circ}C$ of air temperature, 15 min. of treatment time, and around 30% of NaOH concentration were required. On the other hand, in the wet hot air process, $140^{\circ}C$ of air temperature, 3.5 min. of treatment time, and around 30% of NaOH concentration were required. 2. The mechanical properties of the continuous processed samples showed that the WT, B, and WC increased with increasing the weight reduction ratio. However, the G, decreased with increasing the weight loss ratio. Note that, particularly in B, it increased drastically when the weight deduction ratios exceeded 30%. 3. As increasing the wet hot air temperature from 130 to $140^{\circ}C$, B appeared to increase, however, WT, G, and WC appeared to decrease. 4. The best condition found in this continuous process to extract Co-PET is the wet hot air temperature of 140, NaOH concentration of 28% or above, and the treatment time 2-4 min.