Project Abstract

Carbon fibres have been commercially reclaimed from high-value composite waste and end-of-life components using pyrolysis. The fibres typically can retain at least 90% of their tensile strength.

However, recycled fibres are generally discontinuous, fluffy, and entangled. They are commonly reprocessed into randomly orientated non-woven textile fabrics to be used with the liquid compression moulding or sheet moulding compounding to manufacture lower-value non-critical secondary structures.

The project aims to reconsider recycled carbon fibres in novel applications to push up their value in the circular economy for economic and environmental benefits. For this purpose, they need to be hybridised with a continuous fibre architecture to achieve enhanced mechanical properties and other functionalities. Experimental tests will be designed to develop reliable datasets to understand the capabilities of non-woven recycled fibre fabrics and their properties.

Entry Requirements

A first-class bachelor’s degree (or its international equivalent), OR,
a master’s degree (or its international equivalent), in mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering or in physical sciences.

1. Proven track record in planning and conducting detailed experiments.

2. Experience in computer modelling and coding, such as Python or Matlab.