In the first Work Package, the waste material was studied to ensure a correct material selection. Specific characteristics were defined along this task based on different sorting criteria:
- Thermoplastic matrix (PEEK and PPS)
- Chemical nature of reinforcement (carbon fibres)
- Reinforcement shape (Short/long fibre, woven, nonwoven)
- Fibre content (Polymer to fibre ratio)
Taking as starting point these properties, a table of criteria was developed and the scrap material from part manufacturers was selected as the main source of waste stream.
The main objective of Work Package 2 was the conditioning and characterization of the recycled material and the development of a new family of different composites with recycled CFRP based on Polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) by means of extrusion process, as well as, the characterization of the prepared composites. During Work Package 3, the definition of the manufacturing process by injection moulding and thermoforming was established. The composites prepared during WP2 were used to produce halterio specimens by injection and thermoforming. These specimens were characterized by different techniques, in order to ensure the feasibility of the recycling process. In the last technical Work Package (4), different prototypes were produced by means of injection and thermoforming. The project has successfully proven the possibility of recycling CFRP and produce new parts for aircraft. Thus replacing the use of metal parts in the airplane and, reducing the consumption of raw materials. A direct impact is expected in terms of sustainability, cost reduction, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
