Waste cotton to saving the planet
In the current economic and trade climate, finding new applications and markets for cotton is important, says Dr Seshadri Ramkumar.
Lubbock, USA, November 6, 2025—Waste cotton made into nonwoven mat soaks up oil.
“It is good to have a new use for our local product,” stated a Lubbock-based visitor to the Nonwovens Laboratory’s demonstration table at a science event.
Texas Tech University organized Family STEM Night to create awareness about science and engineering on November 6, 2025. Many academic units participated in the event displaying projects using hands-on demonstration.
The Nonwovens and Advanced Materials participated in the event with Aditya R, a 9th grade student at Lubbock High School volunteered to highlight the oil absorption capability of waste cotton. Our laboratory has showcased the oil soaking properties of low micronaire cotton and has been conducting research on this subject supported by United States’ cotton producers.
On November 6, Aditya along with graduate students Mirza Khyum and Bunmi Olopade demonstrated how nonwoven mats from waste cotton with plant trash can absorb oil instantaneously.
The demonstration attracted students from 3rd to 7th grade as well professors and parents. Professor Myoung-Hwan Kim of TTU’s Physics department interacted with Aditya as he explained the chemistry behind the absorption and absorption of oil by cotton waste and raw cotton.
As expected, question on the disposability of cotton came about. How will the product disintegrate asked a visitor. Aditya promptly responded highlighting the biodegradability of cotton. Engaging high school students in cotton research and outreach will be beneficial to the cotton industry to enhance interest and demand of cotton.
In the current economic and trade climate, finding new applications and markets for cotton is important. It is pleasing to report that the public in West Texas are aware of the market situation and are looking forward to new industrial products from cotton.
About the author:
Dr Seshadri Ramkumar is a Professor, Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory in Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
