Research Projects

Thermoregulatory fibers with integrated energy storage will be essential for protective garments used in extreme temperature environments. These fibers will enable garments to absorb, store, and release heat as needed, maintaining a stable and comfortable microclimate around the skin. This capability will be especially valuable for sectors such as defense, outdoor recreation, and industrial work, where prolonged exposure to harsh conditions is common. Unlike traditional methods that apply phase change materials (PCMs) to fabric surfaces—a practice that can reduce durability—this project will embed PCMs directly within the fiber polymer matrix, enhancing both thermal functionality and resilience. This approach has recently been demonstrated and published by the principal investigator in recent publication in Carbohydrate Polymers Volume 312, 15 July 2023, 120734 This project aims to upcycle cellulose-rich textile waste, especially polyester-cotton blends, which are challenging to recycle due to their non-biodegradable polyester content but are widely used in affordable clothing. The goal is to develop high-strength thermoregulatory fibers, reducing the need for virgin resources. Utilizing a green, cost-effective approach with 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride (AMIMCl)—an eco-friendly ionic liquid—the process enables selective dissolution and separation of cellulose from other materials. The principal investigator has demonstrated that this method achieves a 99% solvent recovery rate, supporting a circular economy. Cellulose derived from waste textiles and agricultural residues will be dissolved in AMIMCl and processed through wet spinning to produce regenerated fibers with a tenacity of at least 50 cN/tex, the highest recorded for man-made cellulosic fibers. The integration of phase change materials (PCMs) will endow these fibers with an energy storage capacity of at least 70 J/g, providing passive cooling in extreme temperatures. These fibers will feature high leach resistance and tensile strengths that equal or surpass those of conventional viscose and lyocell fibers, making them ideal for protective clothing designed for extreme climates, leveraging the reversible thermal storage capacity of waste-derived thermoregulatory fibers. This project not only advances sustainable textile innovation but also upholds green chemistry principles, contributing to a shift toward a more circular, eco-friendly textile industry.