Abstract
Recyclable composites are of industrial relevance and benefits the environment, which initiates research towards more sustainable solutions. In this study, a commercial epoxy thermoset, modified by a bio-based additive is used as an infusion resin making recyclable carbon fibre composites. The matrix fractionation process was investigated and optimized with respect to additive & solvent concentration, and temperature. Fully cured carbon reinforced composites were dismantled under the optimum condition and after drying, reinfused, and cured into a new composite, repeated three times on the same carbon fibre material. A decrease in fibre volume fraction and composite performance was found as a number of recyclings were performed. Finally, it was demonstrated that the recycled carbon fibre ply could be reshaped, infused, and cured and thus be applied in new components.
Highlights
High-performance composite materials, like glass and carbon bres embedded in a thermoset are gaining industrial interest[1] mainly due to their properties as lightweight, high strength, and corrosive resistant materials
This study demonstrates the recycling potential of carbon composites by addition of L-cystine to a commercial epoxy system and as a proof-of-concept the recycled carbon bre fabrics are reinfused, and reshaped into new elements
The epoxy matrix peaks in the composite are in accordance with the matrix bands found
Summary
High-performance composite materials, like glass and carbon bres embedded in a thermoset (polyurethane, polyester or epoxies) are gaining industrial interest[1] mainly due to their properties as lightweight, high strength, and corrosive resistant materials. This interest is especially found within aerospace, transportation, and construction, exempli ed by the Airbus A350 XWB, which has increased from 2–5% to 53% carbon composite in recent years.[2] The main drawback is the lack of recyclability and/or reusability of cross-linked thermoset composites. A recent study has demonstrated that the addition of 0.97 wt% of L-cystine to a commercial epoxy
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