Recycling of CFRP for high value applications: Effect of sizing removal and environmental analysis of the SuperCritical Fluid Solvolysis

Abstract

The recycling of Carbon Fibers Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) wastes is becoming increasingly important in the aerospace industry. For most of the technologies, the recycled CF (rCF) are discontinuous, misaligned and unsized. Compared to thermal treatments, the orientation, the length and the brittleness of the rCF are better preserved with the SuperCritical Water Solvolysis (SCWS). The effect of the sizing removal on the recycled CFRP behavior is studied by conducting static characterizations. Realigned virgin CF were used to manufacture sample plates which underwent short beam shear tests. An environmental assessment was carried out on the CFRP end-of-life with a focus on SCWS.