Reclaiming Value From Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Waste Fibres

Recycled Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) fibres/synthetic fibre yarn was produced from recycled Dyneema® fibres (39 mm in average length, 41 μm diameter) blended with modacryclic staple fibres (40 mm in length, 12 dtex fineness), to 60:40 weight ratio by weight, using a modified carding and ring spinning process. Fibres, sliver and yarn were characterised. Moreover, in order to improve current yarn characteristics, atmospheric plasma treatments were conducted on recycled fibres. It was concluded that the yarn presented in the paper could be used for several uses, such as interior and exterior textiles (curtains, carpets, chairs, bed covers, flags, banners, etc.).