What solution could be used to dissolve clothing inside a bowl of water?

Question

I have an invention idea. It's essential though, that cloth or clothing can be dissolved. My idea consists not having to throw this clothing away. My line of thinking is a bowl of water that you put the clothing in, and then add a solution to dissolve the clothing. The key is not to damage the bowl or be extremely harmful, like just using simple acid. Preferable if solution can do anything without being introduced to the water. If it's helpful, the clothing contains sodium polyacrylate, in case there is a solution that can interact with that to produce the desired dissolving effect.

Answer 1

Challenges:

1. Fiber strength: Fibers like cotton, polyester, nylon, and wool are inherently strong and resistant to breaking down. Dissolving them requires aggressive chemicals or conditions.
2. Safe solvents: Finding a solvent that dissolves a range of clothing fibers without being hazardous to humans or the environment is a major hurdle.
3. Mixed materials: Clothing often contains blends of different fibers, dyes, and finishes, making it difficult to find a universal solvent.

Theoretical approaches (with significant limitations):

1. Specifically designed polymers: Researchers are exploring new biodegradable and dissolvable polymers. However, these are often not yet commercially available or suitable for clothing applications due to factors like cost, performance, or scalability.
2. Protein-based fibers: Some protein-based fibers (like silk or wool) can be broken down by enzymes. However, this process is usually slow and requires specific conditions. It also might not be practical for a home setting.
3. Cellulose-based fibers with modified bonding: Cellulose (found in cotton, linen, etc.) could theoretically be modified to have weaker intermolecular bonds, making it easier to dissolve. This is a complex area of materials science and not currently a readily available solution.
4. Supercritical fluids: Certain fluids under high pressure and temperature can act as solvents for various materials. However, this requires specialized equipment and is not suitable for home use.

More realistic strategies for sustainable clothing (without full dissolving):

1. Designing for disassembly and recycling: Creating clothing with easily separable components allows for better recycling and reuse of materials.
2. Biodegradable materials: Using natural fibers like cotton, linen, or hemp, combined with biodegradable dyes and finishes, allows the garment to decompose naturally at the end of its life (though not dissolve quickly).
3. Closed-loop systems: Developing systems where clothing is returned to the manufacturer for recycling or repurposing.