Development of Composite Panels using Textile Waste and Bio-Based Resins – A Comparative Study of Lignin, Soy and Starch-Based Resins

IJEP 45(11): 999-1008 : Vol. 45 Issue. 11 (November 2025)

Full Text

M.R. Karthikeyan and D. Raja

Sona College of Technology, Department of Fashion Technology, Salem – 636 005, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This paper examines the development of composite panels made from textile and garment waste using three types of bio-based resins: lignin-based, soy-based and starch-based. Panels were produced under different conditions, such as resin-to-fabric ratios (30:70, 50:50 and 70:30) and cured at various temperatures (60°C, 80°C and 100°C). The study provides an initial LCA evaluation of synthetic resins and investigates the mechanical properties, thermal stability and biodegradability of the panels. Results show that lignin-based panels are better suited for applications requiring durability, as they exhibit higher tensile strength (18.5 MPa) and superior thermal stability, with deterioration beginning at 250°C. Soy-based panels demonstrate greater flexibility and impact resistance, making them suitable for packaging materials. Starch-based panels exhibit approximately 35.7% weight loss after 60 days, indicating their potential for short-term disposable products. The study suggests that bio-resins can be optimized for specific applications, promoting a more circular economy and reducing waste in the textile industry.

Keywords

Biodegradability, Bio-based resins, Composite panels, Lignin, Soy, Starch, Textile waste

References

  1. Tang, K.H.D. 2023. State of the art in textile waste management: A review. Textiles. 3(4): 454–467. DOI: 10.3390/textiles3040027.
  2. Moazzem, S., et al. 2021. Environmental impact of discarded apparel landfilling and recycling. Resour. Conser. Recycling. 166: 105338. DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105338.
  3. Sulochani, R.M.N., et al. 2024. Waste-based composites using post-industrial textile waste and packaging waste from the textile manufacturing industry for non-structural applications. Sustain. Chem. Env., 8: 100163. DOI: 10.1016/j.scenv.2024.100 163.
  4. Phiri, R., et al. 2023. Development of sustainable biopolymer-based composites for lightweight applications from agricultural waste biomass: A review. Adv. Ind. Eng. Polymer Res., 6(4): 436–450. DOI: 10.1016/j.aiepr.2023.04.004.
  5. Islam, M.N., et al. 2022 An overview of different types and potential of bio-based adhesives used for wood products. Int. J. Adhesion Adhesives. 112: 102992. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2021.102992.
  6. Lahtinen, M.H., et al. 2021. The impact of thermo-mechanical pulp fiber modifications on thermoplastic lignin composites. Composites Part C: Open Access. 6: 100170. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomc. 2021. 100170.
  7. Asgher, M., et al. 2020. Bio-based active food packaging materials: Sustainable alternative to conventional petrochemical-based packaging materials. Food Res. Int., 137: 109625. DOI: 10.1016/j.food res.2020.109625.
  8. Kumar, S., et al. 2016. Recent development of bio-based epoxy resins: A review. Polymer-Plastics Tech. Eng., 57(3): 133–155. DOI: 10.1080/036025 59.2016.1253742.
  9. Sharma, H., et al. 2023. Critical review on advancements on the fiber-reinforced composites: Role of fiber/matrix modification on the performance of the fibrous composites. J. Mater. Res. Tech., 26: 2975–3002. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.08.036.
  10. Pokharel, A., et al. 2022. Biobased polymer composites: A review. J. Composite Sci., 6(9): 255. DOI: 10.3390/jcs6090255.
  11. Rahman, S. S., S. Siddiqua and C. Cherian. 2022. Sustainable applications of textile waste fiber in the construction and geotechnical industries: A retrospect. Cleaner Eng. Tech., 6: 100420. DOI: 10.10 16/j.clet.2022.100420.
  12. Naik, N., et al. 2022. Sustainable green composites: A review of mechanical characterization, morphological studies, chemical treatments and their processing methods. J. Computers Mech. Manage., 1(1): 60–75. DOI: 10.57159/gadl.jcmm.1.1.220 14.
  13. Pulleti, S. S. and S.B. Singh. 2024. Effect of curing temperature on the mechanical properties of hemp fiber reinforced polymer composites. Arabian J. Sci. Eng., 49: 13501–13518. DOI: 10.1007/s13369-023-08680-1.
  14. ASTM D638-14. 2014. Standard test method for tensile properties of plastics. ASTM International.
  15. ASTM D790-10. 2010. Standard test methods for flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics and electrical insulating materials. ASTM International.
  16. ASTM D256-17. 2017. Standard test methods for determining the Izod pendulum impact resistance of plastics. ASTM International.
  17. Zou, S.L., et al. 2023. Lignin-based composites with enhanced mechanical properties by acetone fractionation and epoxidation modification. Sci., 26(3): 106187. DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106187.
  18. Saxena, R., et al. 2018. Impact resistance and energy absorption capacity of concrete containing plastic waste. Construction Building Mater., 176: 415–421. DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.05. 019.
  19. Nurazzi, N.M., et al. 2021. Thermogravimetric analysis properties of cellulosic natural fiber polymer composites: A review on influence of chemical treatments. Polymers. 13(16): 2710. DOI: 10.3390/polym13162710.
  20. Hussain, M., et al. 2024. A review on PLA-based biodegradable materials for biomedical applications. Giant. 18: 100261. DOI: 10.1016/j.giant.2024. 100261.