SWANCOR HOLDING CO., LTD (Taiwan)

Partners(s): GIGANTEX COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD, Taiwan

Thermoset CFRP bicycle was made from recyclable EzCiclo prepreg. Composite parts can be recycled by CleaVER liquid to reclaim resin and fiber enabling closed-loop recycling of thermoset composite.

Swancor presents recyclable thermosetting resin "EzCiclo" and degradation liquid “CleaVER”. EzCiclo is a recyclable epoxy resin. Hot melt prepregs made of EzCiclo RB-564 with different Fiber Average Weight (FAW) are used to produce composite bicycle parts including frame, handlebar, front fork and rims. The parts are fabricated at a standard temperature 150°C. The parts are tested and complied with safety requirements for bicycles (ISO 4210 standards). The End-of-life composite parts made from EzCiclo can be degraded by CleaVER liquid at 130°C-150°C for 4 hours, enabling complete separation of matrix and fiber, which has lower carbon emission compared to traditional thermal and chemical recycle route. The crosslinked matrix is dissolved in CleaVER and can be reused. The reclaimed fiber shows comparable properties compared to virgin fiber. The recycled resin and fiber were formulated into molding compound to fabricate crankarm of bicycles.

Key benefits

• 100% recyclable thermoset composite bicycle parts with promising properties
• Innovative resin system enables closed-loop recycling of thermoset composite.
• Ease of adoption with existing manufacturing facilities and processes
• Lower carbon emission recycling and generate no waste.
• Higher value of recycled resin and fiber