The production of PET worldwide in 2014 was approximately 41.56 million metric tons, and it is forecasted to be approximately 73.39 million metric tons by 2020. Likewise, it is estimated that by 2020, there will be 62,000 tons of end-of-life waste carbon fiber reinforced polymer generated. Additionally, the high cost of carbon fiber and the energy intensity required to produce virgin fiber, which is between 198-595 MJ/kg, demonstrates the need to recover the value of carbon fiber composites. The ability to chemically recycle PET and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy will find value as a method to produce other value-added materials, using the recycled materials as additives to high value products.
The objective of the work is to increase the value of waste PET and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy by chemical deconstruction. The aims are to synthesize a library of phthalimide additives and fiber reinforced vitrimers. The additives will be added to asphalt cement binder and mechanical properties will be evaluated to demonstrate a feasible synthetic pathway to value-added intermediates. Fiber reinforced vitrimers will be recast as new high value materials.