Recyclable carbon-fibre-reinforced composites and processes for forming recyclable carbon-fibre-reinforced composites

摘要

Processes for forming recyclable carbon-fibre-reinforced composites comprise the following steps. Provide a reinforcement structure 52 formed from a plurality of carbon fibres, the carbon fibres being treated carbon fibres having an outer surface possessing a mechanical roughness formed as a result of a treatment. Then, infiltrate the reinforcement structure with a liquid thermoplastic precursor 54, this is preferably monomers. Then, polymerise the liquid thermoplastic precursor 56, thereby encapsulating the reinforcement structure with a thermoplastic matrix to form the recyclable carbon-fibre-reinforced composite. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is acrylic based. Recyclable carbon-fibre reinforced composites are made using these processes. Preferably the treatment which induces roughness on the carbon fibres is pyrolysis. In some embodiments, the carbon fibres are supplied as a multi-directional mat. Methods for recycling carbon fibre composites are also disclosed.