Smart Textiles made from Agriculture and Natural Waste Materials

Project Information

SMARTWASTE

Grant agreement ID: 101086258

DOI

10.3030/101086258

EC signature date 18 October 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 869 400,00

Coordinated by

ISTANBUL TEKNIK UNIVERSITESI
Türkiye

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SMARTWASTE (Smart Textiles made from Agriculture and Natural Waste Materials)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The SMARTWASTE initiative is committed to establishing a global, interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral network of experts specializing in smart-textiles derived from agricultural waste. This includes lignocellulosic fibers sourced from waste materials and poplar fiber as a natural byproduct. Through long-term collaboration, the consortium aims to pioneer sustainable innovations in smart textiles by developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions.
To achieve this goal, the research and application strategy is structured around four key objectives, each aligned with specific work packages. Objective 1 focuses on creating a global network to validate the production of regenerated fibers from agricultural waste and utilization of natural waste, poplar fiber, as a sustainable raw material. This objective is addressed within work package 1 through the application of green chemistry principles. Objective 2 seeks to integrate advanced materials with regenerated fibers from agricultural waste and poplar fibers to enhance electrical conductivity. This is the core focus of work package 2, where yarn and fabric surfaces will be functionalized via electroless plating and coating with conductive nano-additives like silver nanowires (AgNW) and graphene. The final objective covered in this reporting period is Objective 3, corresponding to the work package 3, which facilitates collaboration among partners to advance smart textile development from conductive agricultural waste.
Objectives 1 and 2 among the SMARTWASTE main framework carry the role of creating the substrate upon which the other objectives are built. In this milestone, objective 1 and objective 2 should have been fully achieved and objective 3 have been continued. Studies are being carried out in accordance with the time plan.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The primary objective of WP1a is to extract fibers from agricultural waste, specifically tomato stems, and optimize the surface treatment of these fibers to improve their mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. This will allow for the assessment of the fibers' suitability for yarn spinning, with the aim of producing high-quality yarns that can later be used in the development of sustainable smart textiles.
To fulfill this purpose, researchers from Marmara University were actively involved in international collaborations. The fiber extraction processes and yarn production were carried out at Marmara University. One researcher visited Dresden University for three months to work on knitted surface production using the tomato fibers, collaborating with experts there. Another Researchers also traveled to PGZ italy, where they shared their expertise on fiber extraction and contributed to the center's sustainability research efforts. This international cooperation is an essential part of the project’s success, bringing valuable knowledge and experience to the development of sustainable smart textiles.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

SMARTWASTE focuses on natural lignocellulosic fibers from agricultural waste (banana, tomato) and bio-waste poplar fibers and is used to produce blended yarns and nonwoven fabrics. Functionalization using graphene and silver nanowires (AgNWs) imparts electrical conductivity, enabling applications in smart and wearable textiles. The valorisation of agricultural waste directly addresses the use of new natural resources and their transformation into textile materials aligned with the Green Charter through practical and measurable actions.
SMARTWASTE minimizes chemical processing by utilizing mechanically treated poplar fibers, environmentally friendly extraction techniques and carefully selecting chemicals and materials according to environmental and health safety criteria. In addition, local sourcing and prioritizing of geographically closer suppliers are emphasized to limit emissions from transportation. Additionally, digital communication and teleconferencing are prioritized to minimize travel and associated carbon emissions.
Furthermore, SMARTWASTE adopts a zero-waste approach by valorising the degumming baths remaining after the extraction of fibers from agricultural waste. These residual baths are repurposed to produce conductive hydrogels, thereby ensuring the comprehensive use of all process outputs. The project employs non-toxic, natural chemicals during both the fiber extraction and hydrogel formation stages, adhering to environmental and human health safety principles.