Closed-loop room temperature recycling of elium CFRPs and its influence on the 2nd generation composite properties

This research work presents a recycling methodology for carbon fibre composites processed with a novel room temperature infusible and curable thermoplastic matrix ELIUM 150 from Arkema. Herein we demonstrate that by dissolving the composites in acetone at room temperature it is possible to separate the matrix from the fibres and to reuse both the matrix and the fibres in form of scrim (preform). A comparison of the thermomechanical, thermal and mechanical properties of the composites shows only marginal performance changes in bulk properties due to the proposed recycling strategy.