Research in Recycling Technology of Fiber Reinforced Polymers for Reduction of Environmental Load: Optimum Decomposition Conditions of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers in the Purpose of Fiber Reuse

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of pyrolysis time and temperature on the mechanical properties of recycled carbon fiber, based on tensile strength measurements, determining the optimum decomposition conditions for carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) by superheated steam. In this research, CFRPs were efficiently depolymerized and reinforced fibers were separated from resin by superheated steam. Tensile strength of fibrous recyclates was measured and compared to that of virgin fiber. Although tensile strength of recycled fibers were litter lower than that of virgin fiber, under some conditions tensile strength of recycled fibers were close to that of virgin fiber. With pyrolysis, some char residue from the polymer remains on the fibers and degrees of char on the recycled fibers were closely examined by scanning electron microscopy.