More Effective Carbon Fiber Recycling

May-03-17 Researchers have developed a new carbon filter recycling method that recovers the expensive material more effectively.

Plastics reinforced with carbon fibers are popular for their strength, but also difficult to break down, and require chemicals or extreme heat. The new method, from the team at Washington State University, relies instead on a liquid solution of
“mild acids” and ethanol. The solution was heated to a relatively low temperature of 392 ºF, upon which the ethanol caused the polymer resin encasing the fibers to expand. The acid was then able to break down the carbon-nitrogen bonds of the material and release the carbon strands for reuse.

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[NEWATLAS.COM]
[NEWS.WSU.EDU]

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