Energy and Life Cycle Study of Sustainable Carbon Fiber Reuse Processes: Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experimental Evaluation and Numerical Simulation in Carbon Fiber Specimens.

Context and Justification

Carbon fiber reinforced composite materials offer excellent mechanical properties and are widely used in high-tech industries such as aeronautics, automotive, and wind energy. However, at end of life, their waste poses serious environmental and economic challenges due to the difficulty of recycling them with conventional methods.

This project directly addresses this challenge through the development and evaluation of efficient methods for carbon fiber recycling. The work includes a detailed cost and life cycle analysis, as well as fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation of a propeller manufactured with an epoxy matrix and carbon fiber waste, in order to promote sustainability in composite material management.

Main Research Goal

Specific Scope

• Study the state of the art to develop efficient carbon fiber recycling methods through a systematic review of scientific and technological literature.
• Evaluate the mechanical properties and performance of recycled material through laboratory experimental tests, comparing its performance with virgin fiber.
• Conduct a comprehensive economic and environmental analysis, including life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost-benefit analysis of the proposed recycling processes.
• Produce high-impact scientific publications in Q2 or higher indexed journals, disseminating the research results.

Results Obtained

The research has completed the experimental evaluation of carbon fiber recycling processes, obtaining concrete technical, economic, and environmental performance indicators that validate the viability of the process and its potential for sustainable industrial application.

Expected Research Products