Recycling in the world of composites: Obstacles, solutions, and future

Recycling in the world of composites: Obstacles, solutions, and future

Composite materials and fiber reinforced plastics provide numerous benefits, both in terms of weight to performance and durability in taxing environments. Given the durable nature of the materials, recycling is no easy task and while few technologies are mature enough for scaling, they largely rely on downcycling and non-existing value chains. This webinar will focus on the current possibilities for recycling composite materials, their benefits and limitations, emerging technologies, and the necessity of cross-sectional collaborations for not only securing circularity in materials but also in economics.

• Composite recycling
• Collaborations across value chains
• Emerging technologies
• Retaining value in waste

Speakers

Simon Frølich, Ph.D., Technology Director @ Danish Technological Institute

Simon Frølich, Ph.D., is the Technology Director in the center for Product and Materials Chemistry (Danish Technological Institute), where he leads product and technology development. Simon ensures that there is a continuous match between the technological needs in society and the capabilities at DTI.

Simon has a strong technical background within chemistry, physics, characterization, materials chemistry, polymers, and composite materials. Simon has extensive experience in R&D through his management and participation in numerous national and international R&D projects. Specifically, Simon has worked with recycling og composite materials for 8 years and has acted as both project manager and Tech Lead in the CETEC team – designing new and innovative routes for composite recycling in wind-turbine blades.

Andreas Sommerfeldt, Ph.D., Sustainable Product Development Specialist @ Danish Technological Institute

Andreas Sommerfeldt, Ph.D., is a specialist at the Danish Technological Institute, focusing on sustainable product development within the Environmental Technology division. His expertise lies in organic and polymer chemistry, with a strong background in designing recycling routes for wind-turbine blades.

• Consultant for chemical recycling and plastics recycling projects.
• Specialist in the CETEC team – designing new and innovative routes for composite recycling in wind-turbine blades.
• Led research projects on recyclable polymers (Dreamwind) and PU recycling (RePURpose, PURfection).
• Winner of the Danish Ph.D. Cup 2021 for his research on degradable polymers.