Composite Recycling Techniques: A Literature Review

Abstract

Composite materials have gained increased popularity for the manufacture of components and structures in various fields, such as in the aviation industry. However, with the increased use of composite materials, an increased amount of composite material waste is generated [1,2] and new end-of-life (EoL) and disposability issues emerge [3]. For example, at the end of the useful life of an aircraft-as in the case of the Boeing 747 in Figure 1, usable and high-valued parts are sold or reused, while the airframe and the remaining components are disposed in landfills or incinerated [1,3,4]. However, this approach is not sustainable or highly viable for composite-based aircraft structures and components-such as the composite-based Boeing 787 in Figure 2, and presents a wide array of environmental concerns. First, the available landfill space is decreasing, while at the same time its cost is increasing [1] due to increased disposal and end-of-life regulations. Additionally, certain composite materials are classified as hazardous waste due to their high pollution characteristics, and as such cannot be disposed in landfills or incinerated at the end of their useful life without further treatment [3]. Furthermore, by disposing or incinerating composite materials, finite resources are being consumed [5] and valuable materials are destroyed [6].