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This research aims to assess mechanical and chemical recycling methods for aircraft composite waste and their impacts on material properties.

February 2, 2026MaterialsOpen Access

Recycling and Reusing of Waste Aircraft Composites in Thermoplastic and Thermoset Matrices

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Study evaluates recycling of aircraft composite waste, revealing superior chemical recycling benefits for reuse.

This research aims to assess mechanical and chemical recycling methods for aircraft composite waste and their impacts on material properties.
Evaluated mechanical recycling through industrial grinding.
Assessed chemical recycling via a solvolysis process.
Integrated recovered fibers into an epoxy matrix and polyamide 12 using hot-pressing and twin-screw extrusion.
Conducted life cycle assessment of both recycling methods.
Chemically recycled fibers in epoxy exhibited a flexural modulus of 9.9 GPa and strength of 112 MPa, outperforming mechanically recycled fibers.
Mechanical recycling yielded lesser properties with flexural modulus of 6.1 GPa and strength of 98 MPa.
Chemically recycled fibers in polyamide 12 achieved a modulus of 2.14 GPa and strength of 67.7 MPa.
Life cycle assessment showed both recycling methods significantly reduce global warming potential and aquatic ecotoxicity.

Latko-Durałek et al. (2026) studied this question.

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