Electrochemical recovery of carbon fibres by acetic acid under mild conditions

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/Report › Conference contribution › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Carbon fibre reinforcements will have a rising relevance in the near future. So far, they are already used as carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) in lightweight mobility such as bikes and airplanes as well as in wind turbines, and do also experience an increasing use in construction industry as concrete reinforcements. The promised environmental benefit of this technology can, however, only be achieved by addressing full life cycles and end-of-life scenarios. These are particularly important for reducing CO2 emissions and saving valuable re-sources. In contrast to energy intensive industrially established mechanical and thermal CFRP downcycling, we investigate full fibre recovery using electrochemical methodology. This low energy approach allows regaining CFs in their original quality by providing electrical power from green energy sources and non-toxic household chemicals such as acetic acid and common salt. The paper at hand, explains how electrochemical treatment can be applied to polymer impregnated carbon fibre roving. The effectiveness of the electrochemically driven impregnation removal was compared to conditions where no external voltage has been applied. The whole procedure as well as properties of the regained CFs under various electrical potential were characterized via chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results indicate that applying 1.5 V vs. Ag|AgCl allows reducing the acetic acid concentration from 75% to 50% while achieving the same effectiveness in polymer degradation. Following this procedure, full regeneration of CF is possible while using household chemicals at low concentrations.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2025 fib International Symposium - Concrete Structures
EditorsMatthieu Briffaut, Jean Michel Torrenti
Publisherfib. The International Federation for Structural Concrete
Pages1329-1335
Number of pages7
ISBN (print)9782940643295
Publication statusPublished - 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

Seriesfib Symposium
Volume71
ISSN2617-4820

Conference

Titlefib Symposium 2025
SubtitleConcrete Structures: extend lifetime, limit impacts
Abbreviated titlefib 2025
Conference number21
Duration16 - 18 June 2025
Website
Degree of recognitionInternational event
LocationPalais des Congrès de Juan Les Pins
CityAntibes
CountryFrance