Spandex
A thermoset cross-linked elastic fiber with a high elastic recovery rate, commonly blended with polyester or nylon for sportswear and underwear. Its chemically cross-linked structure makes it difficult to recycle by melting.
Timeline (last 90 days)
Conventional elastic yarns typically blend spandex with polyester or nylon, and this hybrid structure makes recycling exceptionally difficult.
Spandex is a thermoset elastomer that does not flow when heated but instead degrades.
The MIT approach replaces spandex's chemical crosslinks with the physical crosslinked structure of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thereby opening a path to melt recycling while maintaining elasticity.
All Facts (3)
Conventional elastic yarns typically blend spandex with polyester or nylon, and this hybrid structure makes recycling exceptionally difficult.
50%UnverifiedSpandex is a thermoset elastomer that does not flow when heated but instead degrades.
50%UnverifiedThe MIT approach replaces spandex's chemical crosslinks with the physical crosslinked structure of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thereby opening a path to melt recycling while maintaining elasticity.
50%