Recycling of composite materials

• Published in: Journal of materials processing technology Vol. 55; no. 3; pp. 448 - 456
• Main Authors: Buggy, M., Farragher, L., Madden, W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 1995
• Subjects: Fibers; Plastics; Q1; Sulfuric acid
• ISSN: 0924-0136
• DOI: 10.1016/0924-0136(95)02037-3

An economic survey of composite manufacturing was carried out to help to identify suitable fibre/resin systems for recycling trials. Three separate recycling strategies were also adopted. The first of these was the re-use of in-process polyester/glass prepreg offcuts, which were quantified and then reprocessed using a simple pressing technique. Three different panel types were pressed and subjected to comparative physical and mechanical testing. Solvent recycling trials were carried out on carbon fibre/PEEK APC-2. Initially methylene chloride proved successful, so concentrated sulphuric acid was used. Polymer recovered using the acid was checked for purity against 380-P moulding compound. The final process investigated was recovery of aramid fibre (Twaron ™) from an epoxy matrix by solvent swelling, the solvent system used being 50% DMSO and 50% Toluene at 105°C. The recovered fibre was tested against virgin fibre to ascertain what degradation of the properties resulted from the process.