Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention use cellulose-containing materials, which may include post-consumer waste garments, scrap fabric and/or various biomass materials as a raw feed material to produce isolated cellulose molecules that can be used in the textile and apparel industries, and in other industries. A multi-stage process is provided, in which cellulose-containing feed material is subjected to one or more pretreatment stages, followed by a dissolution treatment and isolation of cellulose molecules. Isolated cellulose molecules may be used in a variety of downstream applications. Methods and systems for carbonizing precursor fibers to produce carbonized fibers having desired properties and three-dimensional configurations are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention use mixed textile feedstock, which may include post-consumer waste garments, scrap fabric and/or other textile materials as a raw feed material to produce isolated cellulose and other isolated molecules having desirable properties that can be used and be used in the textile and apparel industries, and in other industries. A multi-stage process is provided, in which mixed textile feed material is subjected to one or more pretreatment stages, followed by at least two pulping treatments for isolating cellulose molecules and other molecular constituents, such as polyester. The isolated cellulose and polyester molecules may be used in a variety of downstream applications. In one application, isolated cellulose and polyester molecules are extruded to provide regenerated cellulose fibers and regenerated polyester fibers having desirable (and selectable) properties that are usable in various industrial applications, including textile production.