High voltage fragmentation and mechanical recycling of glass fibre thermoset composite. Issue 1 (2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mativenga, Paul T.; Shuaib, Norshah A.; Howarth, Jack; Pestalozzi, Fadri; Woidasky, Jörg
• Is Part Of: CIRP annals. Volume 65:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2016
• Subjects: Recycling -- Composite -- High voltage fragmentation; Production engineering -- Research -- Periodicals; 670.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cirp.2016.04.107
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-8506

Abstract

Abstract: Global increase of composite waste urgently requires innovative recycling technology. The three dimensional cross-linked structure makes melting and remoulding of thermoset composite impossible. In this study, high voltage fragmentation, originally conceived for fracturing rocks was investigated as a potential process for composite recycling. It was then benchmarked against its competitor, mechanical recycling. The investigation covered effectiveness in separating composite phases, energy demand and recyclate quality. The work is a new contribution to the performance evaluation of key technologies for rapid recycling glass fibre thermoset composites, a major challenge for manufacturing and end-of-life product waste.