Electrochemical surface treatment opens new path for carbon fibre recycling
Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is becoming more achievable thanks to targeted electrochemical surface modification. A master’s thesis by Sabina Dann shows how this approach can protect carbon fibre sizing from solvolysis, allowing fibres to be recovered without losing their performance.
For this work, Dann, a PhD student at ITA, received the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University. The award ceremony was held on 12 November 2025 in Aachen. The MSW Award recognises outstanding master’s theses in Molecular Science & Engineering that combine strong scientific results with interdisciplinary relevance.
Carbon fibres play a growing role in lightweight construction, from aerospace to automotive and wind energy. Recycling them remains a challenge, as conventional processes often damage the fibres and reduce them to lower-value applications. Dann’s research addresses this issue by modifying the fibre surface so that it remains stable during solvent-based recycling processes.
The industrial benefits are clear. The approach supports higher-quality recycling instead of downcycling, helping manufacturers recover fibres that can be reused in demanding applications. It also lowers material losses and reduces disposal costs. From an environmental perspective, longer fibre life cycles mean less waste sent to landfill and lower demand for new raw materials.
Most of the experimental work was carried out within the carbon fibre research group at the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. This international research setting allowed Dann to draw on the long-standing expertise of the Australian team while strengthening collaboration between IFM and RWTH Aachen University.
With her master’s thesis, Sabina Dann has contributed a practical and research-driven approach to one of the key challenges in composite materials. Her work highlights how targeted surface chemistry can support more sustainable material use without compromising performance.
