End-of-Life of Composite Materials in the Framework of the Circular Economy

Abstract

Composite materials constitute an appealing choice in many industrial sectors, due to their unique composition and characteristics, such as low maintenance requirements, light weight, corrosion resistance, and durability. However, the sustainable management of end-of-life composite materials remains a challenge. Recovery strategies, design aspects, and their interconnection are currently largely unexplored, while technologies involved in the circular economy (reuse, reduce, recycle, refurbish, etc.) could be improved. The current paper provides an overview of the existing methods of composite material waste management, while presenting new circular economy prospects for end-of-life strategies and providing a brief roadmap towards circularity for industries. Finally, existing circular economy practices in regard to composites are presented in different European countries to present the applicability of composite material end-of-life waste management.

Environmental impact and waste recycling technologies for modern wind turbines: An overview

“…Since the energy sector is responsible for more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), EU initiatives, such as the European Green Deal (EGD), support this transition by establishing explicit goals for clean energy production and decarbonization of energy systems until 2050. The EGD seeks to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and a reduction in GHGs of at least 50% by 2030 compared to 1990 ( Chatziparaskeva et al, 2022 ). The sustainable development goals launched by the United Nations (UN), especially goal number 12, deal with responsible consumption and production.…”

“…The sustainable development goals launched by the United Nations (UN), especially goal number 12, deal with responsible consumption and production. In the long term, such an initiative could contribute to a more circular economy ( Chatziparaskeva et al, 2022 ).The most significant approach is to switch to a more sustainable manufacturing method in terms of materials and design, which also allows for proper disposal ( Joustra et al, 2021 ). As the number of wind turbines installed worldwide grows, challenges linked to wind turbine decommissioning rise to the top of policymakers, researchers and industrial agendas.…”

Evaluation of the effectiveness and performance of environmental impact assessment studies in Greece

“…refuse, reuse, recycle, remanufacture, refurbish etc.) while the Circular Economy Action Plan of the EU lays out measures to push the transition towards circularity in a just manner [20][21][22]. This plan alters the way products are promoted, designed and processed, while encouraging sustainable consumption and the reduction of waste production and landfilling.…”

Recycling of Epoxy/Fiberglass Composite Using Supercritical Ethanol with (2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium)2[CuCl4] Complex

“…Epoxy matrices were among the first to find wide application in industry. For example, all modern aviation companies, such as Airbus [ 13 ], Boeing [ 14 ], Irkut [ 15 ] and others, use epoxy binders for the production of both fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforced plastics. To reduce weight, epoxy composites are widely used in the automotive industry by companies such as BMW, Ford, Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi and others [ 16 , 17 ].…”