ECOrCF

This project aims at the development of a holistic approach to the recycling of CFRP for the recovery and reuse of carbon fibers and matrix material. IVW’s focus is on the characterization of the recycled carbon fibers.

The continuously increasing production volume of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) has for the first time exceeded the amount of 100 000 tons last year. Thus, the demand for holistic recycling of this valuable material is also growing. IVW is investigating this topic< together with Pyrum Innovations AG within the project “ECOrCF”. It aims at the recovery of both the carbon fibers and raw materials for the chemical industry by using thermolysis. Important issues are the fiber-sensitive decomposition of the matrix and the characterization of the retrieved carbon fibers. Pyrum Innovations AG achieves a complete decomposition of the matrix based on their innovative systems engineering and developed process parameters while the carbon fibers remain intact. Those fibers are analysed at IVW via thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. An analytic method has been developed that allows the evaluation of the cleanliness and damages of the fibers. Furthermore, investigations of the mechanical properties of the retrieved fibers and their subsequent processing are planned.