Development and characterization of ABS-based composite reinforced with recycled carbon fiber

Scientific advances and technological requirements to develop carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) with excellent strength-to-weight ratios led to the high consumption of CFRP composites. The mechanical recycling of CFRP is a simpler, more economical, and environmentally responsible solution for effectively recovering this structural material that contains epoxy resin and carbon fiber. The CFRP laminates were placed on a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and milling cutting at 1100, 1800, and 2500 rpm. The melt intercalation approach mixed the recovered CFRP particles with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Recovered CFRP particles did not influence ABC’s molecular mobility and thermal stability. The mechanical properties of stiffness and strength did not show significant variations. The main differences between the ABS and the composites were a more pronounced necking region in the ABS than in the composites and a notable reduction in strain. The diffusive necking was attributed to the presence of rigid particles. The strain of the ABS was 27.58%, while in the composites, it was 4.29, 4.02, and 3.51%, depending on the cutting speed. Thus, ductility decreased up to 87% in the composites. Combining effects of poor adhesion and agglomeration impacted the mechanical properties of ABS composites. This work's successful CFRP mechanical recycling method provides epoxy powder, individual carbon fibers, and CFRP particles, opening a research field of great economic and environmental relevance in developing new materials.

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