Recycling carbon fiber based materials
US10875213B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2016 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process is provided to reclaim carbon fiber from a cured vinyl ester, crosslinked unsaturated polyester, or epoxy thermoset matrix. The composite pieces are added to a polyol solvent composition under to conditions to free more than 95% by weight of the carbon fiber from the composite. The freed carbon fibers are washed and dried to reclaim carbon fiber reusable to reinforce a polymer to form a new FRC article. Solvents are chosen that are low cost and low toxicity. Processing is further facilitated by techniques such as solvent pre-swell of the particles, microwave heating, and sonication to promote thermoset matrix digestion to free reinforcing carbon fibers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.