The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is about to start basic research on CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced composite materials) for fuel cell vehicles (FCV).
This study aims to demonstrate the latest progress in recycling using existing combustion treatment equipment and understand the combustion mechanism of flame retardant carbon fiber. Due to its light weight and high strength characteristics, CFRP is expected to continue to increase its application in the future. JAMA believes that immediate measures should be taken to prepare for scrapped cars in the future. Therefore, the association decided to establish a research system.
So far, JAMA has achieved heat recovery in electric furnace facilities after cutting and drilling waste for reuse. These demonstrations demonstrate the method of recovering CFRP from hydrogen storage bottles. Although there is a certain energy effect, there is still the problem of unburned carbon fiber.
In addition, the material can be recycled as part of the CFRP process. However, despite JAMA's technical capabilities, the economic feasibility of its industrial application is lacking. The association has recognized that from the perspective of economic rationality, it is urgent to establish a thermal cycle system first.
With this in mind, the association decided to conduct research to understand the basic combustion characteristics of carbon fiber. Next, we will give priority to solving three problems: 1) Organize industry meetings and formulate combustion standards; 2) Understand the basic combustion characteristics of carbon fiber; 3) Understand the combustion characteristics of silicate alkalis mixed with carbon fiber composite materials. JAMA plans to start various tests of the CFRP combustion demonstration project from the second quarter of next year.