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Induction Heating Opens Path to CFRP RecyclingInduction Heating Opens Path to CFRP Recycling

Induction heating is approximately 100,000 times more energy-efficient than traditional methods, such as solvent-based or hot-air treatments.

Stephen Moore

January 20, 2025

1 Min Read
induction heating
Induction heating represents a low-cost, low-energy-intensity route to CFRP recycling. Image courtesy of Ilsung Composites

Carbon fiber is sensitive to electromagnetic fields within specific frequency ranges. This attribute has been leveraged by South Korea’s Ilsung Composites and partners to develop an enabling technology for carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The partners include Korea Textile Machinery Convergence Research Institute, the  Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), Technische Universität Dresden (Germany), Wagenfelder Spinnereien (Germany), Cramer & Co. (Germany), and Hyundai Motors.

Induction heating can raise the surface temperature of carbon fiber, including CFRPs, to over 1,200°C in the space of seconds. Consequently, shredding CFRP waste is not necessary to enhance pyrolysis efficiency.

Efficient recycling preserves CFRP composites' fiber aspect ratio

The partners’ novel induction heating (IH)–based pyrolysis technology efficiently recycles CFRP composites while preserving the fiber aspect ratio. The process utilizes high-frequency magnetic fields to generate rapid, localized heating in carbon fibers, thereby facilitating efficient polymer matrix incineration.

Environmental and economic benefits

Key features and advantages of the current method include:

Energy efficiency — the process is approximately 100,000 times more energy-efficient than traditional methods, such as solvent-based or hot-air treatments;

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continuous processing — the technology supports uninterrupted throughput, enhancing overall processing capacity and scalability;

mechanical performance retention — reclaimed carbon fibers (rCF) maintain 96% of their original strength, preserving their mechanical properties and a high aspect ratio;

environmental and economic benefits — the process significantly reduces waste and preserves material integrity, contributing to both environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness in carbon-fiber recycling.

About the Author

Stephen Moore

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and a proud dachshund owner.

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