Recycling of cotton apparel waste and its utilization as a thermal insulation layer in high performance clothing

Abstract Recycling and converting textile waste into value-added products with enhanced functional properties pave the way toward a circular economy for sustainability. This research investigates utilization of recycled cotton fiber from apparel cutting fabricating high-performance thermal barrier fabrics. The physical characterization developed fabrics revealed regular arrangement fibers, consequently uniform thickness fabric no distortion on surfaces due to recycling operation waste. also demonstrated high softness index low compression bending average rigidity compared commercial similar thickness. heat protection performance an increase in conductive radiative resistance increasing amount inherent inter-fiber spacing because their orientation lead In case air permeability concerning clothing comfort, significant difference breathability was observed among test specimens. Besides, moisture management profile indicated capability create favorable comfort within clothing-skin microenvironment improved liquid transportation diffusion perspiration vapor through fabric.