The recycling of OMC's carbon reinforcement by solvolysing thermoset matrix. A way of sustainability for composites.

Abstract

Originally developed for high-tech applications, carbon fibre/thermoset matrix composites have been increasingly used in leisure and sports industries, for several years. But the carbon reinforcement is the most expensive constituent, and also the most environmentally impacting in the elaboration of a composite part. To this day, no end-of-life solution or recycling process efficiently exists. This paper aims at demonstrating that recovering the carbon reinforcement is possible, technically and economically speaking. Moreover, it is particularly the basis for a life cycle analysis that assesses benefits and environmental challenges of this recycling loop based on the reinforcement recovery by a solvolysis of the organic matrix. Lastly, the lack of data to consider the better end-of-life option (reuse, recycling, energy recovery and material valorisation) will be underlined.