The growing use of carbon fibre reinforced plastics in sectors such as aeronautics, wind energy, automotive and marine is generating increasing volumes of complex end-of-life waste. Because these materials combine fibres, thermoset polymer matrices and additives, they are difficult to recycle efficiently. Current recycling options remain limited, as they can reduce fibre value, involve complex chemical processes, or recover only the fibre while wasting gaseous and liquid fractions. This creates a need for more comprehensive recovery solutions that maximise material use and support circular economy requirements.
In this context, researchers from the University of the Basque Country (EHU) have developed a technology that allows the comprehensive recovery of CFRP waste by pyrolysis with advanced vapour treatment.
VALORICARBON combines conventional pyrolysis for fibre recovery with advanced thermal or thermo-catalytic treatment of the vapours released during polymer matrix decomposition. Unlike traditional systems, which condense or incinerate these vapours, the technology uses a secondary high-temperature reactor to promote cracking and reforming reactions. This converts complex organic compounds into higher-value molecules, increasing the production of hydrogen- and carbon monoxide-rich gases for potential use as syngas or energy carriers, while reducing tars and heavy organic fractions.
The result is a comprehensive recovery system that not only recovers reusable fibres but also converts pyrolysis by-products into high-value chemical and energy streams, improving the efficiency and industrial viability of the process.
The technology has been validated on a laboratory scale with real waste from different industrial sectors. It is protected by a Spanish patent with international extension (PCT) validated in several countries: France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive recovery of CFRP waste, recovering reusable fibre and generating gaseous streams with high added value.
- Production of gases with high hydrogen content, with potential application as a syngas or energy vector.
- Transformation of low-value vapours into usable molecules, avoiding incineration and improving the profitability of the process.
- Significant reduction of tars and heavy fractions, reducing operational risks and management costs.
- Increase in the total percentage of recovered material, facilitating regulatory compliance in the circular economy.
- Adaptable and scalable technology, with potential for continuous operation.
The represented institution is looking for a collaboration that leads to commercial exploitation of the presented invention.
Institution: Universidad del País Vasco (EHU)
TRL: 4
Protection Status: Spanish Patent with international extension in: France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom
Contact: Ana de la Cruz | a.cruz@viromii.com