A Review of the Thermal Recycling Methods of Carbon Fibers from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Composites

Carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting resin composites (CFRTRC) have drawn great attention in automotive, aerospace, wind turbine blades and other important industry sectors, due to their characteristics of high specific strength and good corrosion resistance. With the extensive use of CFRTRC, the waste composite generated and accumulated is a problem that must be tackled. Thus, the efficient recycling of carbon fibers from CFRTRC is essential. There are many recycling methods; among them the thermal recycling methods have attracted great interest for the CFRTRC in general. The thermal recycling methods of CFRTRC are reviewed in this paper, listed in the order of publication, and are classified into pyrolysis method, fluidized bed method, microwave pyrolysis method and superheated steam method. The advantages and disadvantages of the thermal recycling methods are described in detail. This paper describes in detail the thermal recycling methods of CFRTRC, which, we suggest, will contribute to the sustainable development of the composite industry.