The development toward the realization of sustainable carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics

Abstract

Although carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) have attracted attention for automotive and aircraft applications because of their high production rate, there is concern that their thermal stability is inadequate even for automotive applications. However, some aromatic thermoplastics are known as polymers that have high thermal stability, so this study focuses on CFRTPs made with aromatic thermoplastics. If the CFRTPs are to be used for automotive and aircraft applications, they contribute to the realization of a sustainable society in terms of energy saving and decreasing CO₂ emissions. This study deals with polyethersulfone (PES), an aromatic thermoplastic, as the matrix of next generation CFRTPs, and their mechanical properties and thermal stability have been reported. It is desirable that these CFRTPs are themselves sustainable materials, if the realization of a sustainable society is to be achieved. Therefore, this study also reports on the recyclability of this CFRTP. Finally, the extremely good mechanical properties and thermal stability of this CFRTP are reported as is its good recyclability.