The context
Since Leo Baekeland first patented Bakelite in 1907, society has become reliant on plastic. So much so that 380 million tonnes are produced each year. While plastics have proved to be endlessly useful, they are just as harmful to the environment. Recycling programmes have improved in recent years but fail to address highly durable thermoset plastics used in industrial settings such as the manufacture of aircraft which represent over 10% of all plastics produced.
The project
Outcome
The new carbon composite recycling processes will make it possible to recycle CFRPs with 90% of the mechanical properties of virgin carbon fibres maintained. This will eliminate a large amount of plastic waste and allow these fibres to be reused for a range of applications. Reducing the environmental impact of industry requires a holistic outlook across the entire supply chain, focusing on materials and processes as well as fuel emissions. For instance, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is 50% CFRP by weight which currently would be destroyed at the end of its 15-20 year lifecycle. This process will allow much of that material to be reused either in the manufacture of new aircraft or other products.
Expleo’s expertise in action
- Circular economy
- Green chemistry
- Composite materials
- Waste management
- Polymer physics
What’s next?
While developed and tested on CFRPs used in the manufacture of aircraft, the process applies to a wider range of products, with CFRPs used in everything from cars to sports fields to solar panels. Proven in a lab setting, refinements are being made to the time and energy it requires with plans to industrialise the process at the end of the PhD programme in 2023.
TRANSFORMATION CONSULTANCY
Circular economy
Expleo engineers and consultant work with our customers to extend the products and manufacturing lines lifespan, through reconditioning, recycling and circular design. We are committed to implementing impactful strategic shifts to improve sustainability and resilience and go beyond the traditional linear economy.
