Near-infrared Spectroscopy – collected applications for the textile industry

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used in the textile industry to differentiate fiber types for carpet recycling. Metrohm offers a collection of several applications for the straightforward analysis of wool, cotton, nylon, polyester, and other fibers. Transferability between different NIRS systems is simple, allowing some laboratory methods to be utilized directly in the process for more control.

Blend analysis of different polymer fibers can be analyzed with NIR spectroscopy as well. Real-time analysis of the application of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA or PVOH) sizing to warp yarn has been done with NIR online process analyzers. Common fiber identified with NIRS include: cotton/linen, merchandized cotton, acrylic, modified acrylic, acetate, triacetate, Nomex®, Kevlar® (K-29, K49, and K129), nylon-6, nylon-6,6, silk, polyester, cationic and disperse dyeable polyester, polypropylene, PVA and PVC.