Current status of carbon fibre and carbon fibre composites recycling

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S135983681936946X#preview-section-abstract

The rapid rise in the applications of carbon fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites (CFRPs) is creating a waste recycling challenge. The use of high-performance thermoset polymers as the matrix makes the recovery of the fibres and the resins extremely difficult. Implementation of a circular economy that can eliminate waste and re-use resources warrants the use of efficient processes to recycle end-of-life CFRP components and manufacturing wastes. To this end, herein we present a critical review of the current technologies for recovering carbon fibres and/or the polymers and re-manufacturing CFRPs. New research opportunities in developing new biodegradable thermosets and thermoplastic matrices are also outlined together with more radical recycling strategies for the future. 

Jin Zhang, Venkata S. Chevali, Hao Wang, Chun-Hui Wang

Jin Zhang, Venkata S. Chevali, Hao Wang, Chun-Hui Wang. (2020), Current status of carbon fibre and carbon fibre composites recycling. Composites Part B: Engineering 193: 108053. Doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2020.108053.