Hydrolysis of Blended Cotton/Polyester Fabric from Hospital Waste using Subcritical Water

Currently in Malaysia, most wastes are disposed into poorly managed systems with little or no pollution protection measures. Large amounts of such as textiles generated through hospitals and health care centers. However, the improper management these abundantly may pose an environmental problems fire hazard. Cotton textile is a potential biomass for bioethanol production. Subcritical water (Sub-CW) hydrolysis was investigated alternative technology recycling cotton waste current management. The aim this study to investigate possibility complete conversion ethanol via Sub-CW fermentation. carried out facilitate cellulose component (cotton 75%+polyester 25%). divided two parts; (i) To evaluate subcritical parameters temperature time achieve maximum yield sugars. (ii) Fermentation hydrolysate obtained from ethanol. Under conditions (140 °C - 350 °C), reaction (1-10 min) ratio (3:1) showed that treated at 280 4 min, optimal maximizing sugar, which 0.213 g/g-dry sample. quantitative analysis by HPLC soluble carbohydrates phase were mainly composed glucose. glucose concentration, 171 mg/L then fermented 36 24 hours Saccharomyces cerevisae (yeast) Highest 0.415 g/g glucose, 81.2 % theoretical yield. Hydrolysis decompose simple sugar while keeping degradation minimal