Investigating the Void Content, Fiber Content, and Fiber Orientation of 3D Printed Recycled Carbon Fiber

Abstract

Composite materials continue to grow in popularity within the aerospace industry as the preferred material for manufacturing large airframe structures. However, the popularity of composite materials has also led to the increase in composite waste. As the popularity of composite materials continues to grow, the proper management and recycling of these composite waste materials becomes increasingly crucial to the sustainability of the environment. In order to investigate potential recycling techniques for composite waste, a team of Purdue University School of Aviation and Transportation Technology (SATT) faculty and students teamed up to investigate the characteristics of 3D printed recycled carbon fiber. A prototype 3D printed recycled carbon fiber part was used for the study. Through the use of microscopy and ImageJ image analyzing software, the researchers were able to determine the void content, fiber volume fraction, and fiber orientation of the prototype 3D printed recycled carbon fiber part and identified potential improvements to the 3D printing process in order to improve the 3D printed part’s characteristics.