Efficient recycling of composites via pyrolysis at industrial relevant scale

Fibre reinforced composites have very good strength and weight properties and are used in boats, aircraft, cars, sports equipment etc. Due to stricter emissions requirements, these materials are expected to increase significantly in the car industry. Composites are complex materials consisting of several different parts and at present recycling is often inadequate, mainly based on energy recycling with limited material recycling. With tougher environmental legislation, improved resource efficiency and material recycling are necessary. In our previous research we have shown on lab scale that pyrolysis is a promising technique for FRP and allows recovery of both polymers and high-quality fibres. Through collaboration between research institutes, technology owners and users, in this project we plan to verify the entire chain from recycling of FRP from the aerospace and wind power industry to production of new Sheet Molding Compound materials intended for reuse in the automotive industry in an industrially relevant scale.