Vol. 62 No. 4 (2025)   Aircraft, Defense & Space
Technical Papers

Recycling and Utilizing Waste Composite Material for Aircraft

MASAYUKI KANEMASU
TAKU YAMAMORI
WATARU NISHIMURA
KENGO UCHIYAMA

Carbon fiber composite materials are increasingly being applied to aircraft wings and other parts due to their lightweight and high-strength properties. However, there are significant issues of large energy consumption during carbon fiber production and environmental impact during disposal. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. has been working on the recycling of carbon fiber composite materials. This report outlines an initiative aimed at establishing a supply chain capable of providing stable recycled materials and overcoming technological issues specific to the recycled materials.