Potential of and Current Challenges in Reusing Recycled Carbon Fibres in Concrete Construction Applications

Vanessa Overhage () and Thomas Gries
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Vanessa Overhage: Institut für Textiltechnik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Thomas Gries: Institut für Textiltechnik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: The non-corrosive properties of carbon fibres allow for slimmer concrete components, which may reduce CO 2 emissions during production. Given that cement production contributes approximately 8% of global CO 2 emissions, finding alternatives is crucial. Textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) employs technical textiles instead of steel reinforcements and has been extensively studied for its mechanical properties. Carbon’s high tensile strength allows for significantly reduced mass compared to steel while eliminating additional cover requirements. Although producing recycled carbon fibres (rCFs) is energy-intensive, it offers significant energy and raw material savings and can lower global warming risks compared to virgin fibres. This study investigates the potential of rCFs in various forms as concrete reinforcement, highlighting both opportunities and challenges based on experimental results and existing studies. The investigations demonstrated that rCFs, whether used as nonwoven or yarn reinforcement, enhance both the tensile and yield strength of concrete. Furthermore, in many instances, a gradual failure mode rather than an abrupt one is observed. Consequently, the use of rCF textiles as reinforcement in concrete presents significant potential for promoting sustainability within the construction industry. The integration of rCF into carbon concrete presents a promising pathway to enhance the sustainability of construction materials.

Keywords: recycled carbon fibre; construction industry; fibre-reinforced concrete; textile-reinforced concrete; non-metallic-reinforced concrete (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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