Recycled polymer for carbon fiber

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have designed a recyclable polymer than can be used in carbon fiber composites.

This could help enable the circular manufacturing of parts for automotive, wind power and aerospace applications.

The research involves developing dynamic covalent bonds that are reversible to make a polymer that maintains mechanical strength in six reprocessing cycles.

“Our goal is to extend the lifecycle of these materials by making reuse possible without sacrificing performance,” said ORNL MD Anisur Rahman.