Textile ash boosts cement strength by 16% in new material test

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania have discovered that textile waste ash can enhance cement strength by up to 16% when used to replace 7.5% of traditional cement. This innovation not only improves the compressive strength of concrete but also offers a sustainable solution to two pressing issues: the management of textile waste and the reduction of carbon emissions in the construction industry. Textile waste, which is difficult to recycle due to fiber blends and synthetic additives, is typically landfilled or incinerated. By converting textile waste into ash and recovered fibers, KTU scientists are turning it into a valuable resource for cement production, supporting the EU’s circular economy goals. The research also highlights additional benefits, such as improved freeze-thaw resistance in concrete containing polyester fibers recovered from discarded clothing, which enhances infrastructure durability. Moreover, textile waste can be thermally processed into carbon-rich granules that, when burned, produce ash suitable for cement use. This approach aligns with broader efforts to reduce