The composites industry is experiencing steady growth worldwide. However, the recycling of composite fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials, which make up a significant proportion of composite materials used in engineering applications, is still a challenge. The process of recycling the high value fiber part of thermoset materials requires ad hoc processes for the recovery (mechanical, thermal or chemical process) and reuse of this valuable resource. The work presented, based on recycled carbon fiber, evaluates the possibility of transforming the recycled fiber into a new thermoplastic composite material through a technological approach of extrusion and then using the material obtained through injection molding and 3D printing, promoting the adoption of a circular and innovative approach to the recycling of composite materials. In particular, the recycled carbon fiber samples (filler) were ground to obtain short fibers and characterized by particle size and electron microscopy. The filler was compounded with the thermoplastic matrix (polypropylene) by twin-screw extrusion. The extrusion of the composite material took place in the form of a filament that was collected on reels and pelletized into granules. Characterization of the mechanical properties of the composite material was carried out by means of tensile tests on standard specimens (type 5A) according to ISO 527, obtained by injection molding. Finally, the pellets were used as raw material in an additive fused granules fabrication process and the printed objects further characterized after 3D printing. The process of transforming and obtaining materials in terms of mechanical and thermal properties has been optimized, comparing them with those of unfilled virgin materials. In addition, recycled carbon fibers were valorized by upcycling them as structural fillers for polymer matrix composites, with a view to a sustainable circular economy.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF OLEFIN-BASED COMPOSITE MATERIALS FILLED WITH RECYCLED CARBON FIBRES FOR 3D PRINTING APPLICATION / Sciancalepore, C.; Panico, A.; Leonardi, M.; Collini, L.; Albertelli, P.; Mussi, V.; Milanese, D.. - (2025). ( 24th International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM24) Baltimore August 04 - 08, 2025).
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF OLEFIN-BASED COMPOSITE MATERIALS FILLED WITH RECYCLED CARBON FIBRES FOR 3D PRINTING APPLICATION
Sciancalepore C.;Panico A.;Leonardi M.;Collini L.;Milanese D.
2025-01-01
Abstract
The composites industry is experiencing steady growth worldwide. However, the recycling of composite fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials, which make up a significant proportion of composite materials used in engineering applications, is still a challenge. The process of recycling the high value fiber part of thermoset materials requires ad hoc processes for the recovery (mechanical, thermal or chemical process) and reuse of this valuable resource. The work presented, based on recycled carbon fiber, evaluates the possibility of transforming the recycled fiber into a new thermoplastic composite material through a technological approach of extrusion and then using the material obtained through injection molding and 3D printing, promoting the adoption of a circular and innovative approach to the recycling of composite materials. In particular, the recycled carbon fiber samples (filler) were ground to obtain short fibers and characterized by particle size and electron microscopy. The filler was compounded with the thermoplastic matrix (polypropylene) by twin-screw extrusion. The extrusion of the composite material took place in the form of a filament that was collected on reels and pelletized into granules. Characterization of the mechanical properties of the composite material was carried out by means of tensile tests on standard specimens (type 5A) according to ISO 527, obtained by injection molding. Finally, the pellets were used as raw material in an additive fused granules fabrication process and the printed objects further characterized after 3D printing. The process of transforming and obtaining materials in terms of mechanical and thermal properties has been optimized, comparing them with those of unfilled virgin materials. In addition, recycled carbon fibers were valorized by upcycling them as structural fillers for polymer matrix composites, with a view to a sustainable circular economy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
