Development of a closed-loop recycling process for highly aligned discontinuous carbon fibre thermoplastic composites

Rhys J. Tapper, Marco L. Longana, Ha Na Yu, Ian Hamerton, Kevin D. Potter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

Abstract

In this study the effects of a closed-loop recycling methodology are evaluated for degradation using thermoplastic ocmposites based on discontinuous fibres. The process comprises two fundamental steps: reclamation and remanufacture. The material properties are analysed over two recycling loops. Carbon fibre reinforced polypropylene (CFPP) specimens show no decrease in mechanical properties over repeated recycling loops, the final specimens show an increase of 26 % and 43 % in ultimate tensile strength and ultimate strain, respectively. These are attributed to cumulative matrix residue on the fibre surface after reclamation and subsequently increased fibre-matrix adhesion. The improvement of CFPP properties validate the potential of this proof-of-concept, closed-loop recyclable material. Future studies will investigate alternative, higher performance matrices.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationECCM 2018 - 18th European Conference on Composite Materials
Publisher Applied Mechanics Laboratory
ISBN (Electronic)9781510896932
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2020
Event18th European Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM 2018 - Athens, Greece
Duration: 24 Jun 201828 Jun 2018

Publication series

NameECCM 2018 - 18th European Conference on Composite Materials

Conference

Conference18th European Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM 2018
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityAthens
Period24/06/1828/06/18

Keywords

  • Compression moulding
  • Discontinuous reinforcement
  • Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
  • Recycling

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