Recycling and re-use of textile chemicals

Batch processes deserve special consideration since, after each run, the entire treatment bath containing all auxiliaries and residual finishing compounds (e.g. dyes, finishes) is discharged to the sewer. Conventional exhaust processes thus 

1 Simplified scheme of possible separation of chemicals and water and their re-use. 

The focus of this chapter is to review reported research on possibilities and challenges for reclamation and re-use of the chemical waste commonly generated by textile processes. Waste water purification and decolorization is discussed in Chapter 7. 

Scouring Aqueous alkaline solutions, surfactants Alkaline effluent, fats, oils, waxes, lint, surfactants. 

Desizing Acidic, oxidative, enzymatic depending on type of size Sizes and size residues in effluent, impact on COD, BOD 

---

Finishing chemicals for all kinds of performance aspects of textile goods exist in great variety, and recycling options of these chemicals are largely unexplored. As mentioned previously, chemicals used for finishes such as easy-care, hydrophobic, flame-retardant and soil-release, are usually applied in combination with hand-builders, softeners and other auxiliaries. Their separation and subsequent re-use is problematic and very little has been published in this area. Their impact on the effluent treatment and quality, monitored as BOD and COD is, however, significant. 

---