Circular Approach to Composite Materials: Synthesis of Carbon Nanomaterials from Polymer Recycling Liquid By-Products
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The growing volume of fiber-reinforced polymer composite waste creates an urgent need for efficient recycling technologies. While solvolysis effectively breaks down thermoset matrices for fiber reinforcement recovery, the process generates hydrocarbon-rich liquid by-products that require further management. This study validates the use of these liquid recycling streams—derived from the solvolysis of unsaturated polyester and epoxy resins—as sustainable carbon precursors for the growth of carbon nanomaterials. Synthesis was performed via catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 850 °C using iron nanoparticles impregnated on a zeolite substrate. Morphological analysis confirmed the production of one-dimensional nanostructures (carbon nanotubes/nanofibers), with average diameters below 100 nm. Raman spectroscopy revealed a high degree of graphitization, with ID/IG ratios ranging from 0.25 to 0.58, which is comparable to structures synthesized from conventional precursors. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated high thermal stability and carbon purity reaching up to 90.3%. These findings demonstrate a viable upcycling pathway that enhances the economic attractiveness of composite recycling by transforming waste into advanced nanomaterials.
Source: Materials
DOI: 10.3390/ma19061266
Authors: Evangelos Tsimis, Stefania Termine, Maria Modestou, Aikaterini-Flora Trompeta, Szymon Sobek, Marcin Sajdak, Jakub Adamek, Sebastian Werle, Costas Charitidis
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Award: G3798979035
OpenAlex ID: W7140129932