Although composites are preferred for many engineering applications due to their durability and superior strength, it is necessary to dispose and recycle waste properly at the end of the life of composites. Europe will generate 683,000 tonnes of composite waste by 2025. Global recycling capacity is less than 100,000 tonnes. Until industry can find better ways to reuse or recycle these materials, more than half a million tonnes of composites produced will follow a linear path to landfill.
For this reason, GAIKER is working on new EoL (End of Life) strategies for polymer composites that enable the reuse, recovery and/or recyclability of these materials through reconversion technologies, or through the design of new recyclable composites based on reversible cross-linking technologies.
We add smart functionality by embedding ferromagnetic microwires or adding magnetoactive coatings to composites while controlling part processing via in-mould sensors on 4.0 presses.
The objective of this project is to develop new circular resin systems adapted to composite structures in wind energy applications. These materials are intended to improve the circularity and minimize the environmental footprint of wind energy systems throughout their life cycle. It aims to explore alternative options that facilitate greater circularity, extended service life and efficient decommissioning.
The aim of the European INFINITE project is to provide continuous information on the condition and status of aerostructures at any point in their life cycle using smart materials and wireless technologies.
Composites will be developed with integrated sensors as part of the initiative to monitor the characteristics of these materials from their manufacture to their final recycling, with the aim of extending their useful life and improving their quality
This project will validate, down select, mature and demonstrate key technologies and provide the architectural integration of an ultra-efficient and hydrogen enabled integrated airframe for targeted ultra-efficient Short/Medium Range aircraft (SMR)
The aim of this project is to develop lightweight materials based on aluminium and composite fibre metal laminates (FMLs), in order to meet demanding reaction to fire standards, by developing flame retardant prepregs.
The aim of this project is to develop a set of innovative technologies aimed at exploiting the potential of complex end-of-life (EoL) composite waste as a raw material for the cost-effective re-use of parts and materials in industry.
GAIKER is involved in developing the solvolysis chemical recycling process and scaling it up, and in constructing parts made of carbon fibre from recycled material or from reusing uncured pre-impregnated offcuts by moulding them.
Subscribe to our newsletter
