In the last decade, a great effort has been made to achieve a transition from the current linear economy to a circular economy. This transition also affects the composites sector, which, due to the intrinsic complexity of recycling, requires the implementation of recovery and remanufacturing processes that will be technically, economically and environmentally feasible. This challenge was addressed within the FiberEUse project, in which one of the working lines was based on waste recycling from wind and aeronautical sectors. Both glass and carbon fiber were recovered by pyrolysis. Subsequently, the recycled fiber was treated and processed with thermoplastic matrices used in automotive applications. The technologies used and the results obtained throughout the value chain, from the waste to the part, are presented in this paper. Formulations with different recycled fibers, with and without sizing treatments and with different matrices, were manufactured by compounding-injection. These materials were mechanically analysed and tested with the aim of selecting three formulations. The reinforced materials were validated in three real automotive prototypes: a pedal bracket, a front-end and a cowl top support. As a result, the prototypes were manufactured, tested and validated by the automotive companies.
Abstract In the last decade, a great effort has been made to achieve a transition from the current linear economy to a circular economy. This transition also affects the composites [...]