Abstract
Composite materials, in particular fibre reinforced polymers, present a challenge when reaching their end of life. Current recycling processes are unable to capture the high-end material quality, thus challenging (re)use of composite materials in a Circular Economy. Structurally reusing segmented parts of end-of-life products as construction elements has been demonstrated to provide a promising alternative. However, reflection on the consequences for the initial design of composite products is still missing. This study investigates the effect of the original product design on the recovery and reuse of composite products, taking wind turbine blades as case material. Construction elements were cut from a decommissioned blade and reused in a design study. Observations from the recovery and design process were connected to decisions made in the original product design. The insights were discussed with experts from the field of blade design. This resulted in identification of design aspects that enable multiple lifecycles of the composite material as construction panels, if considered during initial product design.
Highlights
Composites, fibre reinforced polymers, provide many advantageous properties to use in product design (Yang et al, 2012)
This study investigates the effect of the original product design on the recovery and reuse of composite products, taking wind turbine blades as case material
The design case study started with acquiring segments cut from a wind turbine blade
Summary
Composites, fibre reinforced polymers, provide many advantageous properties to use in product design (Yang et al, 2012). The material is mostly found in applications where weight savings or efficient structural design bring an advantage. Designing out waste and keeping products and materials in use at the highest possible value are the core principles of a Circular Economy. Recycling is eventually necessary to prevent loss of ma terials, but is the least preferred loop, as the effort invested in manufacturing is lost (Balkenende et al, 2017). This is especially rele vant for composites, which derive their high quality mechanical prop erties from a specific combination of materials, manufacturing process and design (Beukers and van Hinte, 2005)
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