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In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the need for sustainable practices and the circular economy. This has put pressure on industries, including the fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites sector, to develop efficient recycling technologies to minimize waste and environmental impact [1-4].
To achieve effective recycling of FRP composites, the focus is primarily on recovering the valuable fibrous reinforcements. Separating the fibres from the polymer matrices is a crucial step in the recycling process [4,5]. However, it can be challenging due to the entanglement of the fibres during the composite's original manufacturing and usage. Therefore, early-stage separation and dispersion of the fibres are necessary before they can be realigned and reused in the manufacturing of new composites.
Among the recycling methods, pyrolysis stands out as a commonly used technique for fibre reclamation. Pyrolysis involves subjecting the composite to high temperatures in a controlled environment, which causes the resin to decompose and transform into volatile compounds. This process reduces the molecular weight of the resin fragments and breaks down the char on the fibre surface [5,6]. As a result, reclaimed fibres are obtained.
While pyrolysis offers a promising approach for fibre reclamation, further advancements are needed to optimize the efficiency and quality of the reclaimed fibres. Researchers and industry professionals are exploring innovative techniques to enhance the recycling process. This includes investigating alternative methods such as solvent-based processes and mechanical methods to separate and recover the fibres effectively.
The recycling of FRP composites is not only essential for waste reduction but also for resource conservation and cost-effectiveness. By reclaiming and reusing fibres, the composites industry can reduce its reliance on virgin materials, decrease energy consumption, and minimize the carbon footprint associated with the production of new composites. Furthermore, recycling technologies contribute to the development of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious industry.
Therefore, FRP composites offer excellent mechanical properties but present challenges in terms of recycling. The separation and reclamation of fibrous reinforcements from the polymer matrices are crucial steps in the recycling process. Pyrolysis is a widely used method for fibre reclamation, but further advancements are needed to improve its efficiency. Developing effective recycling technologies for FRP composites is essential to reduce waste, promote circularity, and achieve sustainability goals in the composites industry. By implementing efficient recycling practices, the industry can contribute to a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient future.
In this study, a groundbreaking technology known as High-Performance Discontinuous Fibre (HiPerDiF) has been developed in the University of Bristol. This technology offers a promising solution for the remanufacturing of composites by producing highly aligned discontinuous fibre prepreg tapes through fibre dispersion. HiPerDiF technology focuses on achieving precise alignment of the fibres within the composite material. By dispersing the fibres in a controlled manner, the technology enables the creation of prepreg tapes, which are sheets of composite material with fibres embedded in a resin matrix. The alignment of the fibres plays a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties and performance of the composite.
Thus, a closed-loop recycling process is suggested, and reclaimed carbon fibres for this process are obtained after the surface treatment to get the better surface functional groups on the fibres. The mixing of reclaimed fibres in water was compared to water soluble fibres used commercially for this recycling process. The effect of mixing behaviours with fibres in water as working fluid were analysed experimentally with both surface treatment fibres and their counterpart.
References
[1] Meng F, Olivetti EA, Zhao Y, Chang JC, Pickering SJ, Mckechnie J. Comparing Life Cycle Energy and Global Warming Potential of Carbon Fiber Composite Recycling Technologies and Waste Management Options 2018. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b01026.
[2] Khalil YF. Comparative environmental and human health evaluations of thermolysis and solvolysis recycling technologies of carbon fiber reinforced polymer waste. Waste Management 2018;76:767–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WASMAN.2018.03.026.
[3] Rybicka J, Tiwari A, Leeke GA. Technology readiness level assessment of composites recycling technologies. Journal of Cleaner Production 2016;112:1001–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2015.08.104.
[4] Karuppannan Gopalraj S, Kärki T. A review on the recycling of waste carbon fibre/glass fibre-reinforced composites: fibre recovery, properties and life-cycle analysis. SN Applied Sciences 2020;2:433. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-2195-4.
[5] Pakdel E, Kashi S, Varley R, Wang X. Recent progress in recycling carbon fibre reinforced composites and dry carbon fibre wastes. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2021;166:105340. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2020.105340.
[6] Feih S, Boiocchi E, Mathys G, Mathys Z, Gibson AG, Mouritz AP. Mechanical properties of thermally-treated and recycled glass fibres. Composites Part B: Engineering 2011;42:350–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.COMPOSITESB.2010.12.020.
| Keywords | Recycling, Eco-friendly fibre surface treatment, Reclaimed carbon fibre |
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