MUTE-CFK

Methodical investigation of process options for thermal disposal of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (MUTE-CFK)

Duration:                              07/2020 – 12/2022
Editor:                                   M. Sc. Martin Dunker
Funding Institution:            AIF-IGF

Project

The increased use of CFRP products leads to an increase in the volume of waste containing carbon fibers. Recycling processes are limited for techno-economic reasons, resulting in the need to develop disposal strategies and processes for non-recyclable fibers and end-of-life consumer waste. Due to the high proportion of plastics, the energetic utilization of CFRP residues in thermal processes is necessary. In existing waste treatment plants, it is not possible to guarantee the necessary process conditions for the complete destruction of the carbon fibers. Due to the conductivity and fiber geometry they can lead to technical defects in switching devices and blocking of plant components. Due to the partial thermal attack there is also the risk of releasing potentially harmful WHO fibers into the flue gas. The aim of the research project is to derive basic principles for later process development on an industrial scale by means of combustion experiments in circulating fluidized beds and tubular reactors on a laboratory and pilot scale. This also includes investigations of particle separators for emission reduction and recirculation of unburned CFRP dusts for complete fiber conversion.

Scope of activities of EVT TU Dresden:

• Investigations of the combustion behaviour of CFK-containing fuels in stationary fluidized bed
• Transfer of the results to circulating fluidized bed
• Accounting and process evaluation
• Examination of the occurring residues