Japan-based Toray Industries and Toyota Tsusho Corporation are set to launch a joint carbon fibre recycling initiative to develop highly efficient recycled carbon fibre manufacturing technology using an innovative and energy-efficient thermal decomposition method.

The companies’ joint proposal for the technology has been selected by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) as part of its FY2015 “Strategic Innovation Program for Energy Conservation Technologies.”

Toray and Toyota Tsusho’s proposal for highly efficient recycled carbon fibre manufacturing relies on an innovative and energy-efficient thermal decomposition method. In this method, combustible decomposition gas from matrix resin is used as the energy source for the thermal decomposition process, which typically consumes the most energy in carbon fibre recycling. As a result, the companies expect to achieve a large reduction in the amount of energy consumed in the recycling process, according to a press release.

The companies plan to build a pilot plant within the Handa Plant operated by Toyota Tsusho’s wholly owned subsidiary Toyota Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. With an eye towards future commercialisation, the facility will demonstrate energy-efficient recycled carbon fibre manufacturing technologies while promoting the development of new applications for recycled carbon fibre.

The successful development of recycled carbon fibre and its applications will require collaboration with a wide range of customers to explore the possibilities for specific types of parts and materials. 

Toray and Toyota Tsusho will leverage their respective expertise and know-how to jointly implement carbon fibre recycling initiatives and contribute to the creation of a recycling-oriented society for the entire carbon fibre lifecycle. (GK)