公开(公告)号：US20190001532A1

公开(公告)日：2019-01-03

申请号：US16063506

申请日：2016-12-14

Applicant: Continental Structural Plastics, Inc.

Inventor： Probir Kumar GUHA ,  Michael SIWAJEK ,  David J. KRUG

IPC: B29B17/02 ,  B09B3/00 ,  C01B32/05

Abstract: A process is provided to reclaim carbon fiber from a cured vinyl ester, crosslinked unsaturated polyester, or epoxy thermoset matrix. The composite pieces are added to a polyol solvent composition under to conditions to free more than 95% by weight of the carbon fiber from the composite. The freed carbon fibers are washed and dried to reclaim carbon fiber reusable to reinforce a polymer to form a new FRC article. Solvents are chosen that are low cost and low toxicity. Processing is further facilitated by techniques such as solvent pre-swell of the particles, microwave heating, and sonication to promote thermoset matrix digestion to free reinforcing carbon fibers.