Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of composite materials is the use of a systematic approach to assess environmental impacts throughout all stages of the life cycle. This methodology includes defining the objectives and scope of the study, data collection, impact assessment and interpretation of results. This chapter presents the specific considerations for the LCA of composite materials, analyzing related works on this topic. It is concluded that most of the work published to date uses LCA as a tool for comparative studies between traditional solutions (mostly metallic structures) and lightweight composite solutions. The authors observe that there has also been an increase in the use of green or bio-based composites in the recent years, made from natural fibers and/or resins.

Abstract

This chapter presents a review of the current situation in Spain, in relation to Europe and the world, regarding the treatment of composite materials and their constituents at the end of their life cycle. Such treatment may include landfill disposal, energy recovery (incineration), recycling or recovery of materials as raw materials for the same or other uses, or the reuse or repurposing at the component or subcomponent level. These pathways or processes, along with associated developments and research, are described in greater depth in subsequent sections, while this section provides a general, combined, and particularized review, as much as possible, of the Spanish case. The chapter covers three main areas: a general framework, a section on initiatives and services offered by private companies, and a section on the activities of groups, centers, and entities within the R&D sector. Issues related to legislation, including waste classification, are presented in a specific chapter dedicated to this topic.