Carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) have long been used in vehicles, wind turbine rotor blades, bicycle frames, sports equipment such as tennis rackets, boats and aircraft parts. But they are also increasingly being used in the construction industry. And for good reason: the fibres are light and durable. But they also have disadvantages, as they are expensive and their production is energy-intensive. Even though most CFRP products are still in the early stages of use, the recycling of carbon fibres is becoming increasingly important for cost and environmental reasons alone. In addition, legally prescribed recycling quotas must be adhered to. In the case of end-of-life vehicles, for example, this means that at least 85% of the vehicle mass must be recycled.

However, the properties of the used fibres do not meet the requirements of conventional thermal recycling or pollutant-free landfilling. In addition, the quality requirements for recycled fibres are very high. The Institute for Processing Machines and Recycling Systems Technology is therefore working on sub-processes of recycling and the associated utilisation paths. The aim is to ensure either the highest possible quality fibre recovery with reuse potential or residue-free recycling of fibres that are no longer of high quality in metallurgical processes.

The hazards posed by the small fibres to people and machines must be eliminated. Among other things, research is being conducted into pre-treatment and identification in material flows, optimised machines for CFRP shredding, sorting and the refinement of recycling products. Research topics that are being realised with partners include the characterisation of CFRP-containing waste and the development of suitable machines and processes for the recovery of largely pure plastics, so-called recyclates. The main challenges lie in the diversity of the lightweight structures, which range from half a metre thick to particles of a few micrometres or are present as multiple composites with glass fibres and other materials such as laminates. The goals are clearly defined: It is about environmentally friendly and cost-saving processes for the recycling of carbon fibre composites.