Choline-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent and Microwave Irradiation as Tools for PET Identification in Blend Fabric

A new, rapid, and eco-friendly technique for identification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition in blend fabric was developed. This technique could replace a conventional composition identification of PET using toxic chemicals such as halogenated organic solvent or strong inorganic acid. Choline-based deep eutectic solvents (DES), such as ethylene glycol-choline chloride, were used as a treatment medium under microwave irradiation. The PET portion of the blend fabrics, such as 65/35 and 50/50 PET/cotton was completely removed by DES containing 5% NaOH (w/v) after 100–140 s of microwave irradiation. Various instrumental analyses confirmed the removal of PET. Finally, a commercial sample was also tested as a practical application of the new test method.