A recent review of recycled carbon fibre reinforced polymers: Recycling methods and their mechanical and electrical performance

Abstract

The increasing use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) necessitates sustainable end-of-life solutions due to their environmental persistence and the high energy cost of virgin carbon fibre production. This work examines recent advancements in recycling technologies for CFRPs, including thermal, chemical, mechanical, and hybrid processes, and their impact on the mechanical and electrical properties of recycled carbon fibre composite. The review analyses how different recycling methods influence the overall composite performance. While mechanical properties like strength and stiffness are often prioritised, this review also addresses the less-studied area of dielectric properties, including electromagnetic interference shielding and electrical conductivity. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of recycled Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (rCFRPs) technology, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for reuse and remanufacturing. The review concludes by identifying critical research gaps and future directions to fully realize the potential of rCFRPs as a sustainable alternative to virgin CFRPs in a wider range of structural and functional applications.