Research effort demonstrated the successful use of recycled automotive carbon fiber in a thermoplastic injection molding application. MSU, Vartega, and project partners have shown that a closed-loop supply chain for automotive composites is viable. Prepreg was produced by Dow and Ford at the Scale-up Research Facility (SuRF) operated by Michigan State University in Detroit, MI for a demonstration project to make compression-molded automotive parts. Scrap prepreg was sent to Vartega in Golden, CO for recycling, value-added formatting, and fiber optimization via sizing application. The recycled carbon fiber was then sent to Techmer In Clinton, TN for compounding at 10% loading in PA66. The finished compound was returned to the IACMI SuRF for injection molding into a fender by Michigan State University. The finished part exhibited excellent surface finish. Additional development is ongoing via IACMI Project 6.20 to produce 40% recycled carbon fiber reinforced PA66 for structural applications.


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Project Contact:

  • Douglas Bradley
  • Composite Materials and Structures Center
  • College of Engineering



Partners

  • BASF
  • Vartega, Ford Motor Company, BASF




Report of calendar year 2020 activity.