Recycling of Composites and Prepregs by Oxidative Catalysis
Abstract
In this project we demonstrate conditions to disassemble certain carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites using oxidative catalysis. Particularly, the process described herein selectively exploits oxidative vulnerabilities in amine-linked epoxy-based CFRP matrices to enable the selective depolymerization of these thermoset polymer materials to return useful fine chemicals. Concurrently, because the polymer matrix is removed, imbedded carbon fibers are released, substantially undamaged. Such recovered carbon fibers (rCF) are potentially suitable for remanufacturing into new products of value in the DoD supply chain or the public market. The recovered fine chemicals resulting from disassembly of the polymer matrix are similarly suitable for remanufacturing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 26, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1135553
Entities
People
- Steven Nutt
- Travis Williams
Organizations
- University of Southern California