4. Mechanical processes

4.1 Mechanical grinding

Mechanical recycling by grinding has been studied for thermoset composites reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. However, the most extensive and in-depth research has been carried out in the case of glass fibers. Carbon fibers, a reinforcement with very high mechanical performance but very high cost, are preferentially used as continuous fibers in composite applications. The fact that they are ground means that they lose much of their appeal, at least in terms of mechanical reinforcement capacity, while their appeal in terms of electrical conductivity or anti-static properties remains.

The technique used usually involves an initial reduction in the size of the composite waste. This phase uses a summary shredding process involving a...