Comparison of carbon-reinforced composites manufactured by vacuum assisted resin infusion with traditional and fully recyclable epoxy resins

This study presents a comparative analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites manufactured through vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) using a traditional epoxy resin (E), a fully-recyclable epoxy resin system with (BBR10) and without (BBR) the addition of a reactive diluent (R*Diluent). Various mechanical and thermal tests were conducted to assess their performance. The BBR10 laminate, incorporating 10 wt% R*Diluent, exhibited competitive mechanical performance, comparable to traditional (E) and fully-recyclable laminates (BBR). Despite a slightly lower ultimate tensile strength (UTS) compared with BBR, BBR10 demonstrated improved flexural strength and modulus. Low-velocity impact testing confirmed comparable strength between VARI-produced composites with the recyclable matrix (BBR and BBR10) and the traditional one (E). X-ray mCT investigations revealed distinct void arrangements in the CFRP laminates. Additionally, a chemical approach was employed for recovering high fractions of fibers from CFRP laminates with a recyclable matrix (BBR and BBR10). Chemical recycling achieved an almost 100% yield for long carbon fibers.Highlights Comparative analysis of CFRP composites manufactured through VARI. Diluent addition allowed to tailor the recyclable epoxy viscosity. Mechanical characterization of traditional and fully recyclable epoxy resins. Investigation by X-ray mCT of potential flaws and manufacturing defects. Chemical recycling of CFRP laminates with a recyclable matrix. Schematic representation of the work conducted on the characterization of carbon fiber laminates produced using fully recyclable biobased epoxy resin and conventional epoxy resin. image