Development of a new drying algorithm for recycled polyester knitted fabric

As environmental protection gains prominence, there is a growing demand for fabrics derived from recycled fibers. However, compared to fabrics made from natural fibers, their lower fabric strength and pilling resistance currently limit their widespread use. Furthermore, these recycled fabrics may have different drying properties than natural fabrics, which calls for the creation of new drying algorithms for tumble-drying machines. The drying performance of recycled textiles, their smoothness appearance and amount of fiber release during tumble drying were investigated in this study, along with their drying times and a novel drying algorithm designed especially for 100% recycled polyester t-shirts, with 50% time and energy efficiency. The results demonstrate that fabrics with equivalent thickness may exhibit comparable drying durations and energy consumption levels, despite variations in yarn count and fiber composition. Future research will examine the quality differences of t-shirts made from recycled cotton, polyester, and their blends after six washing and tumble-drying cycles.