CF Recycling from Acrylate Impregnated CFRP by Using Environmentally Friendly Acetic Acid and Electrochemical Treatment

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Revolutionary construction using carbon fiber reinforced concrete (CRC) can only be viable by considering full value chains and entire life cycles. The recycling process plays a crucial role in assessing the total CO2 emissions of a product at the end of its life cycle. In order to achieve high mechanical performance of the CRC, the carbon fibers are impregnated by different types of polymers before their incorporation in the concrete matrix. Recycling of carbon fiber reinforced concrete is commonly done using mechanical or hydrothermal techniques resulting in small recycled pieces and high energy consumption. Electrochemical recycling has the potential to be an environmentally friendly alternative to common techniques as it can be powered by renewable energy sources and performed under mild conditions. In this work we investigate the dissolution of commercially available CFRP reinforcement impregnated with PMMA and commercial acrylate thermoplastic, respectively, by commonly available chemicals both with and without the aid of electrochemical potential applied. Various solvents were compared, showing clear differences with regard to polymer decomposition. The use of acetic acid turned out to be superior in dissolving impregnations, outperforming e.g. the smaller formic acid and the larger citric acid. By applying an electrical voltage on the carbon fiber at room temperature, the dissolution capability of acetic acid was enhanced representing a valuable, mild and easy-to-handle approach for recycling of end-of-life CFRP.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication12th International Conference on FRP Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2025 - Volume 2
EditorsJosé Sena-Cruz, Joaquim A. O. Barros, Luís Correia, João Custódio, Ana Sofia Louro
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media B.V.
Pages662-671
Number of pages10
ISBN (electronic)978-3-032-09387-5
ISBN (print)978-3-032-09386-8, 978-3-032-09389-9
Publication statusPublished - 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

Series Lecture notes in civil engineering
Volume778 LNCE
ISSN2366-2557

Conference

Title12th International Conference on Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites in Civil Engineering
Abbreviated titleCICE 2025
Conference number12
Duration14 - 16 July 2025
Website
Degree of recognitionInternational event
LocationUniversity of Lisbon
CityLisbon
CountryPortugal

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Carbon-reinforced concrete, Electrochemistry, EoL, Impregnation, Recycling