European scientists give a second life to composites

Experts united by a European research project test various processing options in a laboratory in Milan. Their focus is on a prototype, it was developed to grind fiber-reinforced polymer composite, which was once part of a wind turbine. Speech, therefore, is a complex multicomponent material. Scientists need to start to divide the composite into components, which are then sent for recycling.

Nicoletta Picone, engineer: "Our main task is to adjust the whole process. So, we need to prepare and adjust the equipment, optimize the fragmentation of the composite into components that can be reused. We pay attention to energy costs, rely on energy-intensive processes, this will allow us to save electricity, less load on instruments and tools involved in the mechanical process. "

Recycled fiberglass was tested in the production of building materials at the family enterprise RIVIERASCA in northern Italy. About 4.5 million square meters of roofing sheets are produced here annually.

Recycled glass fiber turned out to be slightly less resistant than conventional materials. However, experts do not give up.

Giacomo Bonati, Director, RIVIERASCA: “The technology we developed allows you to add fiber to the production process. This way we can compensate for the reduction in strength of recycled materials and increase the resistance of the final product. Much depends on what you are going to make from recycled composite. For example, a fiberglass table does not require the same strength as roofing sheets, which are affected by rain and wind. "

Experts try different schemes. Everything is taken into account: the cost of production, energy consumption, characteristics of the material obtained at the outlet. A circular economy, they say, should be as efficient as possible.

Essi Sarlin, chemical engineer: “It should be understood that process optimization is not a linear concept: if we are talking about grinding a composite, this is one; if we are talking about transporting waste, it is another. Or maybe we mean the surface treatment obtained from composite fiber? It all depends on specific tasks. "

Scientists united by a research program regularly exchange ideas and ideas. Discuss possible uses of recycled composites.

Marcello Colledani, engineer: "Some German companies are already developing car components from recycled composite. They can be easily removed from the car, repaired, and then put in place. Thus, the potential of the material is fully utilized."

Scientists promise that recycled composites and products from them will be used in furniture production, sports and entertainment industries, and even in the aerospace industry.

Source: https://ru.euronews.com