Composite Recycling With Non-Ionizing Radiation and H2O/N2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recycling composite materials with polymer components are inefficient in removing the polymer material while preserving the integrity and mechanical properties of the base material, such as carbon fibers or glass fibers.
Innovation Solution
A process involving non-ionizing radiation and exposure to a gas mixture of H2O and N2 is applied to the composite material to remove the polymer material, resulting in a recycled base material with high integrity and mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If existing recycling methods are used to remove polymer material from composite materials, then the polymer can be removed, but the integrity and mechanical properties of the base material are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-ionizing radiation (electromagnetic radiation) as a new parameter to the recycling process, combined with controlled atmospheric conditions (nitrogen and water vapor). This changes the fundamental mechanism from thermal/chemical degradation to radiative degradation, allowing polymer removal while preserving base material integrity. The radiation parameters (type, intensity, duration) are optimized to achieve selective degradation of polymer components without damaging the base material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an inert atmosphere consisting of nitrogen and water vapor during the radiation treatment process. This inert environment prevents oxidation and unwanted chemical reactions that would otherwise occur during polymer degradation, thereby protecting the base material (such as carbon fibers) from environmental damage while enabling effective polymer removal.
2Productivity
If aggressive methods are used to remove polymer material, then removal efficiency increases, but the mechanical properties of the recycled base material deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or thermal recycling methods with non-ionizing radiation technology. This substitution enables more efficient and selective polymer removal through radiative degradation mechanisms that are gentler on the base material compared to mechanical processing or high-temperature thermal treatment, thereby maintaining recycled material quality while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water vapor as an intermediary substance in the atmospheric mixture during radiation treatment. This intermediary facilitates enhanced polymer degradation through synergistic effects with the radiation, improving removal efficiency while the controlled environment ensures the base material is not damaged, thus maintaining reliability of the recycled product.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process achieves substantial removal of polymer material, maintaining at least 80% of the base material's tensile strength, modulus, elongation, thermal properties, and electrical conductivity, with minimal degradation.
Implementation Method 1
applying a non-ionizing radiation to the composite material... until the polymer material may be substantially removed from the base material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a process, device, and system for recycling a composite material comprising a base material composited with a polymer material, which may can include a process comprising applying a non-ionizing radiation to the composite material and contacting the composite material with H2O until the polymer material is substantially removed from the base material to produce a recycled base material.