MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS
The production of composite materials is increasing, as is the need for the management of the resulting waste. Two approaches are explored: end-of-life, which includes recycling and reuse, and eco-design, geared to reducing environmental impact. Through its
Marewind and Refresh projects, Cetma is working on recyclable materials to encourage circularity in the wind energy sector.
CIRCULAR COMPOSITES: COMPARING TWO APPROACHES
Italian technology plast / April 2025
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Composite materials that incorporate a polymer matrix( e. g., glassfibre, carbon fibre-reinforced composites, short fibre-reinforced plastics) are being used in numerous fields of application as they offer a favourable combination of mechanical strength and lightness. Thanks to the progressive reduction of technology costs, the use of composites has, in recent decades, ceased to be limited exclusively to the high-tech industry( aeronautical, automotive, energy, etc.), and become common in many other product sectors, and even in the world of recreational activities, being used, for example, in the production of sports equipment. Compared to“ conventional” materials( concrete, wood, metals and plastics), composites still cover a small market share, but one that is increasingly growing. Globally, the total production of composites in 2023 was estimated at around 13 million tonnes and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate( CAGR) of 4-5 % over the next five years( source: JEC Group, 2024). The most relevant sectors are, in the order: construction, transport, electronics, energy( wind) followed by all the others.
THE MANAGEMENT OF COMPOSITE WASTE The above applications of composite materials, which are now consolidated, generate a corresponding amount of waste, mostly postconsumer but also from manufacturing processes. Composites are extremely durable materials. This means that products that were placed on the market decades ago are currently reaching the end of their useful life. Wind turbines and glassfibre boat hulls are two examples of particularly long-lived products, being able to provide service on average for 20-25 years in the first case, and up to 50 and more in the second, obviously under optimal operation and maintenance condi-
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