Uploaded June 2015 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
This project is the development of a process for recycling fabric into a composite suitable for diverse applications. Cotton sourced from old clothing acts as the fibre in a matrix of silicone rubber.
250,000 tonnes of recyclable fabric is wasted in the UK each year. Various binding agents can transform this fabric into a product of the desired characteristics and shape. Multiple experiments revealed that silicone rubber was superior in dimensional accuracy, as well as producing a detailed surface finish and a rubbery texture. The project direction then became optimising the process to create a useful composite. A prototype rotational moulding machine, which spins the mould biaxially, was constructed to distribute the silicone rubber uniformly in the mould. Different compositions of silicone rubber and fabric were evaluated to determine possible properties of the composite.
The final product is a kit containing a rotational moulding machine for self-assembly, moulds of varying shapes, silicone rubber and an instruction manual. The kit targets the growing craft market, which is currently worth £745 million. This niche product is aimed at young adults interested in crafts or aspiring craft artists. It can be used either with the included moulds or personalised moulds produced by the customer for their specific application. The product serves two key purposes: firstly, it provides craft artists with the opportunity to explore fabric composites and develop its applications, some of which include practice cricket balls, plant pots, fashionable bracelets and non-slip mats. Secondly, it showcases an interesting technique for reusing fabric which recycling companies could use to run workshops during conferences, presentations and awareness events.
Team:
Amy Spruce
Dan Jones
Rabbiya Naveed
Will McDermott
This project is the development of a process for recycling fabric into a composite suitable for diverse applications. Cotton sourced from old clothing acts as the fibre in a matrix of silicone rubber.
250,000 tonnes of recyclable fabric is wasted in the UK each year. Various binding agents can transform this fabric into a product of the desired characteristics and shape. Multiple experiments revealed that silicone rubber was superior in dimensional accuracy, as well as producing a detailed surface finish and a rubbery texture. The project direction then became optimising the process to create a useful composite. A prototype rotational moulding machine, which spins the mould biaxially, was constructed to distribute the silicone rubber uniformly in the mould. Different compositions of silicone rubber and fabric were evaluated to determine possible properties of the composite.
The final product is a kit containing a rotational moulding machine for self-assembly, moulds of varying shapes, silicone rubber and an instruction manual. The kit targets the growing craft market, which is currently worth £745 million. This niche product is aimed at young adults interested in crafts or aspiring craft artists. It can be used either with the included moulds or personalised moulds produced by the customer for their specific application. The product serves two key purposes: firstly, it provides craft artists with the opportunity to explore fabric composites and develop its applications, some of which include practice cricket balls, plant pots, fashionable bracelets and non-slip mats. Secondly, it showcases an interesting technique for reusing fabric which recycling companies could use to run workshops during conferences, presentations and awareness events.
Team:
Amy Spruce
Dan Jones
Rabbiya Naveed
Will McDermott
