In this study, composite materials were fabricated using the thermoplastic resin poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and recycled carbon fibers obtained by pulverizing carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). PMMA particles were adsorbed on the carbon fiber surfaces via electrostatic interactions, to promote the interfacial adhesion between the carbon fibers and the PMMA resin and thereby improve the dispersion of the fibers in the resin. This enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites; the yield stress and elastic modulus of the composite. As a result, the yield stress and elastic modulus of the composite improved owing to the prevention of void formation in the composite resulting from the chemical incompatibility between the filler and the resin and better dispersion of the PMMA-adsorbed carbon fibers in the resin compared to that in the unmodified fibers. This method can be applied to fabricate high-quality composites consisting of a combination of other resins and fillers. (C) 2017 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.