An Overview of Recycling Issues for Composite Materials

Abstract

A review of the major issues surrounding the postuse disposal of polymer composite materials is presented. Composites are compared to unreinforced plastics in terms of production volume and the technologies available for reprocessing. Not surprisingly, composites comprise a very small fraction of the plastics waste stream. In highvolume applications such as automobiles, however, there are reasons to be concerned about composites recycling. The fundamental categories of dealing with waste (burning, burying, reusing, or using less in the first place) are described in relation to plastics and composites. Reprocessing technologies with applications for composites are reviewed. For thermosetmatrix composites, processes involving regrinding waste materials and using them as filler for other polymer processes show promise. For thermoplasticmatrix composites, processes involving grinding and remolding by injection or compression molding are promising. Applications for recycled composites, without which reprocessing is futile, are also reviewed.

Recycling of Polymer-Based Multilayer Packaging: A Review

“…In a previous review from 1996, Hensaw et al [6] reviewed the general recycling options for polymer composite materials, comprising pyrolysis, hydrolysis, energy recovery, and compressioninjection molding. In 2011, Jesmy et al [7] gave an overview of the recycling of polymer blends with the exclusive description of recycling by extrusion and compatibilizer-aided blending, with only one small abstract dealing with packaging materials.…”

Carbon fibre reinforced poly(vinylidene fluoride): Impact of matrix modification on fibre/polymer adhesion

“…Fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites have become an area of increased interest due to their shorter cycle times and greater potential recycleability compared to thermosetting polymers [1,2]. Additionally, thermoplastic polymers have long elongations to break which can be particularly beneficial in unidirectional long fibre composites [3].…”

Carbon fibre reinforced cellulose-based polymers: intensifying interfacial adhesion between the fibre and the matrix

“…[23][24][25] Of thermoplastic polymers, cellulosic materials are undoubtedly superior candidates for fullling a sustainable development objective due to their renewability and biocompatibility. 26 In particular, cellulosic esters have already gained special interest in many innovative composite applications.…”