Energy Intensity and Quality of Recyclate in Composite Recycling

Composite materials are widely used in various sectors such as aerospace, wind energy and automotive. The high demand especially for thermoset based glass (GFRP) and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite materials has led to a rise in volumes of manufacturing scrap and end-of-life products as composite waste. Unlike thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers have difficulties in recycling due to their cross-linked nature. In this paper, thermoset composite recycling processes which are grouped into mechanical, thermal and chemical methods are assessed from the perspectives of energy consumption, processing rate and mechanical performance of the recycled products. The paper presents a benchmark of composite technologies as well as identifies research challenges.