Towards Sustainable Composites

This lecture explores how composites can help address climate change through policy, materials, applications, and manufacturing. It covers the European Green Deal, ELV legislation, and the recycling hierarchy for composite waste management. The presentation delves into the challenges and solutions for sustainable composite solutions, including the use of bio-based materials, recycling routes for carbon fibers, and chemical recovery processes. The lecture also discusses the end-of-life strategies for glass fiber composites, carbon fiber recycling, and the development of self-healing composites. Furthermore, it examines the aerospace industry's efforts in end-of-life solutions and the advancements in hydrogen storage using carbon fiber tanks.