Research on Microwave Pyrolysis Recovery and Reuse Performance of Carbon Fiber Composites

Carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites find extensive applications across various industries. However, their widespread use also generates significant waste, leading to resource depletion and environmental concerns. Studying the production of composite materials using recovered carbon fiber is imperative to mitigate the environmental impact associated with waste from carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites and optimize resource utilization. In this study, carbon fiber was reclaimed using the microwave pyrolysis–oxidation process. The reclaimed carbon fiber underwent a cutting process to produce shorter carbon fibers tailored to specific requirements, which were then used to fabricate composite plates reinforced with epoxy resin. The mechanical characteristics of the composite were analyzed, along with SEM, XPS, infrared, Raman, and contact angle analyses conducted on the recovered carbon fiber. The test findings suggested minimal variation in the surface morphology of the recovered carbon fiber materials. Post-recovery, an increase in the quantity of oxygen-containing functional groups was observed on the carbon fiber surface. Additionally, the contact angle between the carbon fiber surface and the epoxy adhesive decreased. The mechanical properties of the composite produced from the recovered carbon fiber decreased, including the impact strength, tensile strength, and bending strength, with the impact strength dropping by 24.14%, tensile strength by 15.94%, and bending strength by 8.24%, while maintaining overall reusability, thus paving the way for the comprehensive utilization of carbon fiber resources.