Recent trends of reuse and recycling of plastic polymers and composite materials: a review

As environmental worries over synthetic material consumption have grown, attention has switched to sustainable materials and a circular economy model that incorporates recycling channels. The various latest recycling technologies for composite materials and plastic polymers are compiled in this review article. Due to the environmental implications of their end-of-life management, the review primarily focuses on fibre-reinforced polymer composites, with a particular emphasis on epoxy-based systems and carbon/glass fibres as reinforcement. Analyses include thermal procedures (fluidized bed, pyrolysis), chemical processes (various solvolysis types), combination processes (microwave, steam, and ultrasonic aided methods), and exceptional recycling efforts (electrochemical, biological, and with ionic liquids). In comparison to chemical recycling, thermal recycling uses a lot less energy and allows recovered materials to match raw material qualities. In contrast to alternative recycling methods, mechanical recycling uses a relatively little amount of energy to recycle composites. It was concluded that the composite materials consumption in different industries would only be justified when recycling and reusing of composites should be given equal consideration. In addition, the recycling of polymer composites will boost the circular economy.