University of Delaware awarded $1.34M for carbon fiber recycling research

The University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials (UD-CCM) in Newark, Delaware, has secured $1.34 million in funding from the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), a Department of Defense (DOD) initiative. This funding will support the development of a closed-loop recycling strategy for expired high-performance thermoset carbon fiber prepregs, specifically for DOD repair and sustainment applications.

Dr. Shridhar Yarlagadda leads the project, which involves collaboration with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at Pax River and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW). The team aims to create methods for recovering and reusing carbon fibers while maintaining high performance, targeting at least 80% strength retention compared to virgin materials.

This initiative could significantly advance sustainable practices in aerospace composites by enabling recycled carbon fibers (rCF) to be reused in high-value applications. This approach supports a more circular and sustainable composite materials supply chain, reducing the need for downcycling.

The Automated Rapid Tape (ART) technique, already in use at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) and planned for future McLaren models, demonstrates the capability to produce lighter, stiffer, and stronger carbon fiber structures with reduced waste.

In related developments, DarkAero has replaced butt joints in the center wing box assembly of its DarkAero 1 prototype composite aircraft. This change aims to enhance the flight test envelope in high-speed gust load conditions.

Additionally, to address the growing demands of the UAV market, Mejzlik Propellers has expanded its capabilities by adding a higher-rate compression molding line for its custom carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) propellers.