Innovative Recycling Method for Carbon Fiber
https://www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news/2025/april-2025/innovative-recycling-method-for-carbon-fiber.html
March 31, 2025 – Carbon fiber composites are exceptionally strong and lightweight, making them the materials of choice in many industries. However, the disposal and recycling of these high-performance materials is often difficult. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics at the Ernst Mach Institute (EMI) have developed a technology that makes it possible to continuously extract carbon fibers from composite materials without compromising material quality. The method is based on powerful lasers that locally degrade the matrix material at high temperatures. According to Fraunhofer, this method not only offers ecological advantages but is also economically interesting.
Experimental setup for the local, high-power laser-induced pyrolysis of a composite sample. During the process, pyrolysis takes place at the position indicated by the red laser spot (Photo: Fraunhofer EMI)
