Recycling of carbon fibers from carbon fiber reinforced polymer using electrochemical method

In this research, we proposed an electrochemical method for the recycling of carbon fibers from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Experiments were designed with different solution concentrations (3%, 10%, and 20% NaCl) and various levels of applied current (4 mA, 10 mA, 20 mA, and 25 mA) so as to identify the significant parameters that affect carbon fiber recycling efficiency. The recycled carbon fibers were characterized by using the single fiber tensile strength test, SEM, XRD, and XPS techniques. Test results showed that the maximum tensile strength of the reclaimed carbon fibers was 80% of the virgin carbon fibers (VCF). The increase in electrolyte concentration did not improve the recycling efficiency but resulted in severe oxidation and chlorination on the surface of recycled carbon fibers. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that the recycling of carbon fibers with electrochemical method is simple, effective, and economical. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.