Eco-friendly Electrospinning of Recycled Nylon 6,12 Waste for High-Performance Nonwoven Nanofibers in Sustainable Textile Applications

This groundbreaking paper presents a pioneering study that introduces nonwoven fabrics based on nanofibers (NY-NWFANF) derived from recycled nylon 6,12 waste, with a primary focus on their potential in sustainable textile applications. The core objective is to advocate for environmentally sound solid waste management within the textile industry while producing an innovative material with exceptional properties. The NY-NWFANF material exhibits notable strength, flexibility, and unique characteristics, positioning it as a highly promising alternative for a range of textile applications. To achieve these aims, a comprehensive exploration of how adjustments to electrospinning parameters influence the morphology and properties of NY-NWFANF is undertaken. A suite of analytical techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis, is employed to offer an in-depth characterization of the material’s structure, composition, and mechanical attributes. Results consistently reveal that an optimal electrospinning solution concentration of 22% yields well-defined NY-NWFANF morphology, regardless of flow rate variations. Additionally, the manipulation of applied voltage and collecting distance significantly influences nanofiber morphology, where an applied voltage of 20 kV and a collecting distance exceeding 15 cm consistently lead to well-defined nanofibers. Through XRD and FTIR analysis, a gradual decline in crystallinity with increasing concentration is observed, and lower applied voltages promote the crystallization of the α-form over the β-form. Intriguingly, BET data highlight NY-NWFANF’s remarkable properties, including the highest total surface area and the smallest pore diameters. These exceptional attributes, combined with the material’s recyclability and eco-friendly profile, present exciting prospects across diverse textile applications such as filtration, protective clothing, and advanced composites. This research significantly advances sustainable and innovative materials, setting a standard for effective waste management practices in the textile industry. By showcasing the remarkable qualities and versatility of NY-NWFANF, the paper proposes a promising trajectory for the future of textile waste recycling, fostering a more sustainable and resource-efficient approach to managing textile waste.