Composites Recycling

Recycling in composites manufacturing is an evolving endeavor aimed at addressing sustainability challenges. Unlike traditional materials, composites often pose recycling complexities due to their multi-component nature. However, innovative techniques are emerging to tackle this issue. Methods like pyrolysis, mechanical recycling, and chemical processes are being developed to efficiently recover valuable components from composite waste, such as fibers or matrix materials.

Trends fueling the composites recycling movement
Sustainability

Trends fueling the composites recycling movement

Various recycling methods are being considered for composites, from novel dismantling and processing, to building capacity and demonstrating secondary use applications.  

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Airtech
Coast-Line Intl

Latest Recycling Articles

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Sustainability

Research shows feasting fungi could shake up carbon fiber recycling

Recovered benzoic acid from CFRP matrix breakdown can be “consumed” by genetically modified fungi, enabling high-value reclamation of both the fiber and the matrix.

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Recycling

PUR composite sandwich panels for 3D automotive parts, high-volume panels and more

At its U.S. sites, Ascorium produces glass fiber/PUR 3D parts via semi-automated molding, high-volume flat panels via a continuous line while working toward bio-based PUR and recycling.

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Recycling

USPTO issues patent for fully circular thermoset resin, stems from UC Santa Barbara Research

Fully cured thermoset resin solubilizes on demand and under benign conditions, allowing for up to 100 wt% recovery of fibers in composites, including carbon fiber. The circularity is driven by a bio-based alternative to BPA.  

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Recycling

MerConcept, Extracthive integrate rCF components into racing yacht construction

Development and integration of recycled composite ballast dorade vents for an IMOCA class yacht and other ongoing projects demonstrate a push for greater circularity in the marine industry.

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Carbon Fibers

VCARB, Holy Technologies demonstrate composites recyclability potential for Formula 1

Fully recyclable, race-ready carbon fiber/epoxy mirror housing component using Holy’s IPT technology highlights track-proven durability, paves way for future motorsport components.

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Thermoplastics

DITF oriented rCF tapes target virgin fiber CFRP substitution

Infinity project developed highly oriented rCF/PA6 tapes with 88% the tensile strength, modulus of a virgin CFRP product and 49-66% reduction in global warming potential.

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Knowledge Centers

Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

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Airtech International Inc.

Latest Recycling News And Updates

Prepregs

PRF Composite Materials launches RP570 FR Reepreg

Fire-retardant recycled carbon fiber nonwoven prepreg was developed with aircraft interior programs and other FST-focused applications in mind.

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Recycling

Resolve Composites, Siemens Gamesa partner in Second Wind project

Transformation of a 6-meter wind blade section into a 5-meter boat hull, demonstrates Resolve’s EOL recycled fiberglass processing capabilities using its ReceTT recycling process.

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NonWoven365 offers nonwovens, paper solutions portfolio targeting CMC, high-temp applications

Stuttgart-based company offers carbon, metal and ceramic fiber-based papers and nonwovens in various areal weights and thicknesses, engineered for high-temperature, sustainable application requirements.

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Recycling

AOC presents complete range of rPET-based resin formulations

Czech Republic facility takes post-consumer waste and converts it into high-quality formulations, such as the Synolite 4600 and 1112-G series, for composites manufacturing.

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Construction

Swedish parking garage to incorporate decommissioned wind blades

Architect Jonas Lloyd is working with Vattenfall to design the multistory building with a wind blade façade, targeting eco-friendly buildings and creative ways to remove blades from landfills.

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Recycling

Melker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction

Built with ampliTex flax fabrics, a solid cork core and plant-based resins, the company’s Värmdö kayak model highlights an environmentally conscious design for paddlers of all levels.

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HEATCON Composite Systems
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Airtech International Inc.

Featured Posts

Recycling

All-recycled, needle-punched nonwoven CFRP slashes carbon footprint of Formula 2 seat

Dallara and Tenowo collaborate to produce a race-ready Formula 2 seat using recycled carbon fiber, reducing CO2 emissions by 97.5% compared to virgin materials.

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CAMX

VIDEO: Recycling and machining carbon fiber scraps

Elevated Materials has partnered with ‪Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. to collect and upcycle reclaimed carbon fiber scraps into large billet laminates, which can then be cut into various parts using CNC mills.

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Sustainability

Airbus works to improve the life cycle of composites in future aircraft

This companion article to CW's September 2024 Airbus Illescas plant tour discusses recycling, LCA, biocomposites, Fast Track technologies, qualification and more.

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Automotive

JEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more

CW technical editor Hannah Mason discusses trends seen at this year’s JEC World trade show, including sustainability-focused technologies and commitments, the Paris Olympics amongst other topics.

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Work In Progress

Demonstrator project targets circularity solutions in carbon fiber composite sports equipment

The Carbon Fibre Circular Alliance (CFCA) brought together OEMs and technical partners to reclaim short carbon fibers from end-of-life sports equipment, realign into continuous prepreg tapes and remanufacture into new equipment.

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Consumer

Repurposing wind blades as functional community art pieces

Ohio-based Canvus Inc. upcycles fiberglass wind blades, car tires and post-consumer plastics to create outdoor furniture that amplifies sustainability messages in community spaces.

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