Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT
Recycled carbon fibers for injection molding processes in the automotive industry
To achieve climate goals, we have to think about sustainable materials as a key topic in a holistic way. The three „R“s - reduce, reuse and recycle - are essential. Carbon-fiber composites are an ideal material to reduce weight while keeping the required properties. Nevertheless, the production of virgin carbon fibers is extremely energy intensive. It is therefore mandatory to find sustainable solutions to recycle these valuable resources.
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Within in the project reCa-HiT, Fraunhofer ICT used two different injection molding compounding technologies to produce complex shaped demonstrators made with recycled carbon fiber hybrid yarns that showed excellent mechanical properties.
