Recycling of Reinforced Glass Fibers Waste: Current Status

In this paper, a review of the current status and future perspectives for reinforced glass fiber waste is undertaken, as well as an evaluation of the management hierarchy for these end-of-life materials. Waste levels are expected to increase in the coming years, but an improvement of collection routes is still necessary. The recycling processes for these materials are presented. The associated advantages and disadvantages, as well as the corresponding mechanical characteristics, are described. Although mechanical shredding is currently the most used process, there is a potential for thermal processes to be more competitive than others due to the fiber quality after the recycling process. However, the energy requirements of each of the processes are not yet well explained, which compromises the determination of the economic value of the recycled fibers when included in other products, as well as the process feasibility. Nevertheless, the work of some authors that successfully integrated recycled glass fibers into other elements with increased mechanical properties is evaluated. Future recommendations for the recycling of glass fiber and its commercialization are made.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the current status and future perspectives of reinforced glass fiber waste, and evaluates the management hierarchy for these materials. The recycling processes, advantages and disadvantages, and mechanical characteristics are presented. Thermal processes have the potential to be more competitive, but the energy requirements are not well explained. The integration of recycled glass fibers into materials with increased mechanical properties is evaluated, and future recommendations are made for the recycling and commercialization of glass fiber.