Abstract

The use of CIDETEC's patented 3R technology allows the development of thermoset composites that are intrinsically Reprocessable, Recyclable and Repairable (3R). These materials are very interesting for sectors as diverse as energy, transport, and construction, as they maintain the high performance of conventional thermoset composites and can be processed using common manufacturing technologies. The use of prepregs is one of the methods used to manufacture thermoset composites, but it is a labour-intensive and cost-intensive process. In addition, the epoxy matrix of prepregs, which is partially cured (called B-phase) and sticky, requires them to be stored cold (refrigerated or frozen) and, once the due date has passed, they cannot be used to form a consolidated laminate because of their lack of adhesion. The dynamic character of the 3R epoxy resin described here makes it possible to manufacture what we have called "enduring prepregs", which are (semi-)cured, non-perishable prepregs, with the advantage that they can be stored at room temperature without losing their adhesion capacity. Moreover, it is possible to process them using techniques as diverse as AFP (automated fibre placing) or thermoforming to manufacture multilayer composite parts. This communication will present the latest advances and the objectives of several European projects funded under the H2020 (CARBO4POWER - GA.953192) and Horizon Europe (BIO-UPTAKE -GA. 101057049 and GENEX -GA. 101056822) frameworks, which are working on the development and optimisation of these "enduring prepregs" for different sectors.

Abstract

Composite materials have highly contributed to the reduction of CO2 emissions of last generation aircrafts, due to their lightweight capabilities. However, the environmental burden during composite raw material production, part manufacturing and waste treatment versus aluminium alloys has become a priority during recent years and needs to be addressed asap. This applies to current aircrafts but above all to ensure that composites are the best material choice for future more conventional or breakthrough products based on sustainable aviation fuel or liquid hydrogen propulsion.

This presentation has the intention to be a general and comprehensive overview of the current situation and opportunities regarding composite sustainability for commercial aeronautical sector, including:

• Problem understanding: composites are key for more sustainable aviation.

• As-is situation: raw material and part production, composite scrap treatment.

• Opportunities to develop more sustainable composites: biosourced composites and mass balance, substance compliance, industrial carbon footprint reduction, recycling technologies and recyclable resins.

• Some tips and recommendations about how to approach the development of more sustainable composites and what to prioritize from a technical point of view.

Los composites han contribuido en gran medida a la reducción de las emisiones de CO2 en aeronaves de última generación, gracias a su ligereza. Sin embargo, la mejora del impacto medioambiental durante la producción de los materiales, la fabricación de piezas y el tratamiento de residuos, en comparación con las aleaciones de aluminio, se ha convertido en una prioridad en los últimos años y debe abordarse cuanto antes. Esto aplica a las aeronaves actuales, pero sobre todo para garantizar que los materiales compuestos sean la mejor opción de material para futuros aviones más convencionales o innovadores basados ​​en combustible de aviación sostenible o propulsión de hidrógeno líquido.

Esta presentación pretende ofrecer una visión general y completa de la situación actual y las oportunidades en materia de sostenibilidad de los composites para el sector aeronáutico comercial, incluyendo:

• Comprensión del problema: los composites son clave para una aviación más sostenible.

• Situación actual: producción de materiales y piezas, tratamiento de residuos de composites.

• Oportunidades para desarrollar composites más sostenibles: materiales de origen biológico y balance de masas, cumplimiento normativo de sustancias químicas, reducción de la huella de carbono industrial, tecnologías de reciclaje y resinas reciclables.

• Algunas recomendaciones sobre cómo abordar el desarrollo de materiales compuestos más sostenibles y qué priorizar desde un punto de vista técnico.

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