Recycling of carbon fibers – neo-ecology through innovative paper technology: Michael Sauer, Violetta Schumm Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV, Augsburg/Germany.

To reduce the CO2 footprint, the Fraunhofer IGCV research with a state-of-the-art wetlaid nonwovens machine for recycling carbon fibers. The production processes are similar to those of a paper manufacturing machine. The crucial difference: paper fibers are not turned into the paper, but recycled carbon fibers are turned into nonwoven roll fabrics. The carbon fiber thus gets a second life and finds an environmentally friendly use in nonwovens, such as door panels, engine bonnets, roof structures, underbody protection (automotive), and heat shields (helicopter tail boom), as well as in aircraft interiors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]