Work

Interfacial performance of chemically recycled carbon fibres assessed by microdroplet debonding tests

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The reuse of recycled carbon fibres in structural composites requires understanding how recycling processes affect fibre/matrix interfacial properties. In this study, the interfacial behaviour of carbon fibres recovered from a recyclable epoxy/PHU composite through a mild chemical recycling process was investigated using microdroplet debonding tests. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of recycled fibres was compared with that of virgin fibres. Despite modifications of the fibre surface induced by recycling, including partial removal of the initial sizing and the presence of localised residual species, recycled fibres exhibited an IFSS comparable to that of virgin fibres. Post-debonding SEM observations revealed distinct local failure mechanisms, highlighting the heterogeneous nature of the recycled fibre interface. These results provide new insights into the interfacial behaviour of recycled carbon fibres and demonstrate that chemical recycling can enable the reuse of carbon fibres without compromising fibre/matrix adhesion or requiring additional sizing.

Source: Composites Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2026.102969