Question 42 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Current Affairs

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircraft.
2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 only

Strategy: Focus on identifying carbon fibre applications and recyclability. The use of carbon fibres in aircrafts and automobiles is well-established due to their strength-to-weight ratio, which validates statement 1. Statement 2, claiming carbon fibres cannot be recycled, is overly absolute. Despite recycling challenges, techniques exist for carbon fibre recycling. Use this knowledge to immediately eliminate statement 2 and select option A.

Key Info: Carbon fibres are high-strength, lightweight materials extensively used in aerospace and automotive industries due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability. These fibres are produced by pyrolyzing organic precursors like polyacrylonitrile (PAN), rayon, or pitch at high temperatures in an inert atmosphere, resulting in fibres composed of more than 90% carbon.

Carbon fibre composites are increasingly replacing metals in structures where minimizing weight is crucial, such as aircraft fuselages, car body panels, and high-performance sports equipment. While carbon fibre composites present recycling difficulties owing to their thermoset matrix, several technologies now allow partial recovery of fibres or resin, such as pyrolysis, solvolysis (chemical treatment), and mechanical grinding. Recycling is complex and energy-intensive, but not impossible--recovered fibres are reused in less demanding applications.

Despite these advances, carbon fibre materials are not biodegradable. Major research initiatives continue to improve recycling processes and sustainability in composite industries.

Answer

Option B: 2 only

Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements: Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircraft. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircraft.

Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?