Diana Smarandache
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Diana Smarandache has a total of 7 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Artur Ferreira
CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
1 shared publication - Bruno Godinho
CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
1 shared publication - Cătălina Ionescu
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Craiova, 107i Calea București, 200144 Craiova, Romania
1 shared publication - Marina Matos
CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
1 shared publication - Nicoleta Cioateră
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Craiova, 107i Calea București Street, 200512 Craiova, Dolj, Romania
1 shared publication - Nuno Gama
CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
Process Strategies Enabling Selective Polymer Valorization from Textile Fiber Blends
The increasing complexity of textile waste, particularly blended fibers, represents a major challenge for conventional recycling approaches. This study proposes a selective valorization strategy for mixed textile waste streams by applying tailored chemical recycling routes to individual fiber type. Preliminary tests identified suitable methodologies for each fiber type: dissolution–precipitation for acrylic (poly(acrylonitrile)—PAN), acidolysis for nylon, glycolysis for polyester (PeS) and acetylation for cotton. Structural characterization confirmed that the incorporation of recycled products did not significantly change the chemical structure or crystallinity of the resulting materials. Furthermore, thermal analysis revealed comparable or slightly improved thermal stability in most recycled systems. Additionally, mechanical performance was observed to vary depending on the polymer type. Recycled acrylic and cellulose acetate showed reduced ductility, while nylon exhibited increased stiffness due to possible recrystallization effects. In contrast, PeS displayed enhanced elongation at break, suggesting increased chain mobility or plasticization effects. Overall, the results demonstrate that selective chemical valorization is a promising route for the efficient recycling of complex textile waste, enabling the recovery of high-quality materials with retained functional properties.
Open AccessProcess Strategies Enabling Selective Polymer Valorization from Textile Fiber Blends
The increasing complexity of textile waste, particularly blended fibers, represents a major challenge for conventional recycling approaches. This study proposes a selective valorization strategy for mixed textile waste streams by applying tailored chemical recycling routes to individual fiber type. Preliminary tests identified suitable methodologies for each fiber type: dissolution–precipitation for acrylic (poly(acrylonitrile)—PAN), acidolysis for nylon, glycolysis for polyester (PeS) and acetylation for cotton. Structural characterization confirmed that the incorporation of recycled products did not significantly change the chemical structure or crystallinity of the resulting materials. Furthermore, thermal analysis revealed comparable or slightly improved thermal stability in most recycled systems. Additionally, mechanical performance was observed to vary depending on the polymer type. Recycled acrylic and cellulose acetate showed reduced ductility, while nylon exhibited increased stiffness due to possible recrystallization effects. In contrast, PeS displayed enhanced elongation at break, suggesting increased chain mobility or plasticization effects. Overall, the results demonstrate that selective chemical valorization is a promising route for the efficient recycling of complex textile waste, enabling the recovery of high-quality materials with retained functional properties.