Chemical stability of recycled polyester fiber: from molecular structure to application performance

Molecular structure and chemical composition: the cornerstone of stability
Recycled polyester fiber, as the name implies, is a fiber material recycled from waste polyester products. Polyester fiber, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber, is known for its stable chemical structure. The PET molecular chain is composed of ester groups and methylene groups arranged alternately, which gives polyester fiber excellent heat resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. In the natural environment, polyester fiber is difficult to degrade due to the lack of microbial enzymes that can effectively decompose polyester chains. Although this has caused a long-term burden on the environment, it also provides the possibility of recycling and reuse.

Chemical stability: from theory to practice
The chemical stability of recycled polyester fiber is mainly reflected in its resistance to a variety of chemical substances. In daily use and processing, recycled polyester fiber is not easily corroded by common acids, alkalis and organic solvents, showing good corrosion resistance. This feature makes recycled polyester fiber widely used in many fields such as clothing, packaging materials, building sound insulation materials, and automotive interiors. In these applications, the fibers need to withstand exposure to various chemicals, such as detergents, grease, rain, etc., and the chemical stability of recycled polyester fibers ensures the long-term durability and safety of the products.

Challenges in extreme environments
Although recycled polyester fibers perform well in most cases, their chemical stability may be challenged in certain extreme chemical environments. For example, under high temperature and strong alkaline conditions, the ester bonds in the polyester chain may undergo hydrolysis and breakage, resulting in a decrease in fiber strength and performance degradation. In addition, some strong oxidants may also cause damage to polyester fibers. Therefore, when designing and manufacturing products using recycled polyester fibers, it is necessary to fully consider the use environment of the products and select appropriate additives or surface treatment technologies to enhance their chemical stability.

Strategies to improve chemical stability
In order to improve the chemical stability of recycled polyester fibers, researchers and companies are exploring a variety of strategies. On the one hand, by optimizing the recycling process, reducing the damage to the fibers during the recycling process, and retaining as much of the original properties as possible. On the other hand, developing new additives, such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, etc., to enhance the fiber's adaptability to extreme environments. In addition, the chemical stability and comprehensive performance of polyester fibers can be effectively improved by introducing other polymer segments or functional groups through chemical modification or blending modification.

Looking to the future: Challenges and opportunities of sustainable development
With the increasing global attention to sustainable development, recycled polyester fibers, as an important part of the circular economy, have broad application prospects. However, how to improve recycling efficiency, reduce costs and reduce environmental impact while maintaining chemical stability is the main challenge currently faced. In the future, with the continuous advancement of materials science, chemical engineering and environmental protection technology, we have reason to believe that recycled polyester fibers will show their unique value in more fields and make greater contributions to the realization of a green, low-carbon and circular economic system.