World's First! Breakthrough in Recycled Carbon Fiber

Recently, National Chung Hsing University teamed up with Swancor Holding to tackle a challenging problem. By leveraging innovative technology, they successfully solved the issue by using Swancor Holding's exclusive "microwave pyrolysis technology" to recycle carbon fibers from discarded wind turbine blades. Combining it with National Chung Hsing University's patented modification technology, they created the world's first "recycled carbon fiber badminton racket," setting a benchmark for the circular use and high-value application of composite materials.

Wind turbine blades are made from high-strength composite materials, and their recycling has always been a challenge in the industry. Swancor Holding's development of "microwave pyrolysis technology" has achieved a key breakthrough: compared to traditional pyrolysis methods, this technology processes faster, consumes less energy, and can precisely separate the carbon fiber pultrusion plates within the blades, thereby enhancing both recycling efficiency and carbon reduction benefits. This lays a core technological foundation for the resourceful reutilization of discarded blades.

Based on this foundation, the team at the Institute of Circular Economy Research at ZTE University has further tackled the bottleneck of recycled carbon fiber application. Traditional carbon fiber badminton rackets are made of thermoset materials, which meet strength standards but cannot be recycled, limiting the use of recycled materials. The team has broken through the traditional framework of "thermal compression molding" by employing two patented technologies: "recycled carbon fiber modification technology" and "reinforced thermoplastic composite mixing and granulation technology." Innovatively using the "injection molding" process, they successfully developed a professional-grade recycled carbon fiber badminton racket. This racket not only boasts excellent mechanical performance but also possesses a "full green DNA"—all materials can be recycled again, truly embodying ESG principles and realizing a closed loop from waste to high-value-added products.

Wei Chuan Holdings General Manager Tsai Hsiao-de stated that this achievement demonstrates the high-value potential of waste composite materials. The company has long been dedicated to the research and development of wind power materials and green technology. Although large-scale commercialization still faces challenges in equipment and cost, they are actively seeking cooperation with brands and enterprises to promote the widespread application of recycled composite materials and open up new opportunities in the circular economy.