"ICT Mumbai Researchers Transform PET Waste into Flame-Retardant Cotton Fabric, Advancing Sustainability and Fire Safety"

At the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Dr. Surajit Some’s research group is conducting innovative research on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) degradation and functionalization to develop highly efficient flame-retardant materials. This work addresses two significant challenges: managing PET waste and enhancing fire safety in various applications.

PET, widely used in plastic packaging, presents a substantial environmental challenge due to its non-biodegradable nature. The research group aims to mitigate this issue by degrading PET into smaller, reactive components that can be functionalized. Through chemical degradation and the introduction of flame-retardant properties, PET is repurposed into materials with enhanced fire resistance. This process involves using phosphorus- or nitrogen-based flame-retardant agents to chemically modify the degraded PET, which can then be applied in multiple flame-retardant applications, including coatings for textiles.

The resulting flame-retardant materials have diverse industrial applications, particularly in textiles, home furnishings, and other areas requiring improved fire resistance. While cotton is highly preferred for its comfort and breathability, it is naturally flammable. One key application of this research is developing sustainable flame-retardant treatments for cotton fabrics that maintain their softness while significantly enhancing fire resistance.

Beyond fire safety, this research also highlights the environmental importance of PET recycling. By transforming discarded PET into functionalized materials, the group’s work contributes to both sustainability and innovation in flame-retardant technologies. This project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education and Research Board (DST-SERB) under Sanction No: SERB/F/13364/2023-2024. This research exemplifies how academic efforts can drive practical solutions to global challenges while advancing science and technology.

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