Investigation and Optimization of CFRP Recycling by Pyrogasification Process

Abstract Carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) are remarkably replacing conventional materials in application requiring high mechanical performance thanks to their light weight and outstanding mechanical properties. Due to the massive increase in their production and application, one of the main drawbacks resides in their disposal, both at the end of their life and as scraps and offcuts. Furthermore, the production of carbon fiber (CFs) requires high energy demand (183–286 MJ kg −1 ), hence the recovery of composites to reuse CF seems to be a promising option in terms of sustainability and circular economy. With the aim of identifying a methodology to recover and recycle these materials, through this work a case study is shown for optimization of the pyrogasification process.