Polymer composites are not readily biodegradable in nature, resulting in significant material waste. The growing use of polymer composites has led to increased material waste due to their limited recyclability. This research recycles a carbon-glass fiber-reinforced hybrid composite (CGFRC) and investigates the mechanical properties of the recycled specimen, comparing them with those of the new specimen. The work focuses on recovering carbon and glass fiber from the epoxy matrix through a thermal recycling method and remanufacturing the composite with recycled fibers. New and recycled composite specimens underwent tensile and flexural strength tests to assess their mechanical properties. The findings showed that the recycled specimens had reduced physical and mechanical properties compared to the new ones. The new specimen demonstrates a tensile strength of 36.85 MPa and a flexural strength of 37.19 MPa. In contrast, the recycled specimens exhibit a tensile strength of only 11.15 MPa and a flexural strength of 29.82 MPa. This indicates a notable reduction in mechanical properties for the recycled material, which retains approximately 80% of its initial flexural strength but only 30% of its tensile strength. SEM analysis revealed the presence of voids, poor distribution of fibers, and epoxy residue in the recycled specimen.

recycled polymer composites, thermal recycling, hybrid composites, sustainability, Polymer Matrix Composite