Full Recyclability of Epoxy Based Thermoset Composites via Pyrolytic Processes

AI Quick Summary

An accepted full recycling technology is key to enable the European automotive industry to use thermoset resin-based composites in significant volumes in future programs. Pyrolytic processes are already applied for the separation of fibers and matrix. This process delivers fibers and pyrolytic oil. Pyrolysis is a flexible technology in terms of input resin technologies potentially including both, thermoset and thermoplastic resins. This makes such a technology relatively straightforward to implement. Many other technologies would require a part-by-part recycling solution, which is financially very difficult.We are looking for a partner who has the ability for pyrolytic processing and capability to investigate the nature (composition) and consistency of chemical residues (“pyrolytic oil”), depending on input materials and pyrolysis conditions. Knowing if and how these materials can be reprocessed and what is exactly produced in the process, will enable us to get a full LCA. Input Materials to be investigated are epoxy based composites for automotive (i.e. battery box, pressure vessels) and classical aerospace formulations. Such a study should give us enough insight to decide if it is worth to invest further in this technology. The ultimate goal is to have a prototype recycling plant in place (not at Huntsman) and to have trustful LCA data based on input and output materials. This would help us to further promote the thermoset resin technology in transportation in Europe including the developed recycling technology.Implementation Partner: Huntsman Advanced MaterialsHuntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated specialty chemicals that address materials challenges with the objective to improve the quality of life for people around the world. The Advanced Materials division is a leading global material solutions provider. Our portfolio of components and formulations for adhesives, composites, insulating resins and protective coatings, as well as our advanced Carbon materials, meet demanding engineering specifications and address customer-specific needs across a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications. The key markets we serve go from Aerospace & Defense to Land & Marine transportation, from E-mobility to to Electronic, from Energy production to Coatings & Construction.Pitching WorkshopEverybody who is interested to submit an idea for this challenge is invited to an online pitching workshop. More details can be found in the "Events" section further below.Submission and Funding ProcessIt only takes you a couple of minutes to submit your ideas which help to solve this challenge.The most promising ideas will be turned into projects and supported with up to CHF 25'000 by the Innovation Booster Plastics for Zero Emission.Submission deadline for ideas: 14 October 2022, 23:59More details on the funding process and on how to submit your idea can be found in the guidelines linked below.ContactIf you have any further questions regarding this call for ideas, please contact us at info@plastics4zeroemission.ch

Challenge Metadata

• Challenge Name: Full Recyclability of Epoxy Based Thermoset Composites via Pyrolytic Processes
• Date: 9/5/2022 9:18:02 AM
• Administrators:
  • Theo Sandu

Challenge Description

An accepted full recycling technology is key to enable the European automotive industry to use thermoset resin-based composites in significant volumes in future programs.

Pyrolytic processes are already applied for the separation of fibers and matrix. This process delivers fibers and pyrolytic oil. Pyrolysis is a flexible technology in terms of input resin technologies potentially including both, thermoset and thermoplastic resins. This makes such a technology relatively straightforward to implement. Many other technologies would require a part-by-part recycling solution, which is financially very difficult.

We are looking for a partner who has the ability for pyrolytic processing and capability to investigate the nature (composition) and consistency of chemical residues (“pyrolytic oil”), depending on input materials and pyrolysis conditions. Knowing if and how these materials can be reprocessed and what is exactly produced in the process, will enable us to get a full LCA.

Input Materials to be investigated are epoxy based composites for automotive (i.e. battery box, pressure vessels) and classical aerospace formulations.

Such a study should give us enough insight to decide if it is worth to invest further in this technology. The ultimate goal is to have a prototype recycling plant in place (not at Huntsman) and to have trustful LCA data based on input and output materials. This would help us to further promote the thermoset resin technology in transportation in Europe including the developed recycling technology.

Implementation Partner: Huntsman Advanced Materials

Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated specialty chemicals that address materials challenges with the objective to improve the quality of life for people around the world. The Advanced Materials division is a leading global material solutions provider. Our portfolio of components and formulations for adhesives, composites, insulating resins and protective coatings, as well as our advanced Carbon materials, meet demanding engineering specifications and address customer-specific needs across a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications. The key markets we serve go from Aerospace & Defense to Land & Marine transportation, from E-mobility to to Electronic, from Energy production to Coatings & Construction.

Pitching Workshop

Everybody who is interested to submit an idea for this challenge is invited to an online pitching workshop. More details can be found in the "Events" section further below.

Submission and Funding Process

It only takes you a couple of minutes to submit your ideas which help to solve this challenge.

The most promising ideas will be turned into projects and supported with up to CHF 25'000 by the Innovation Booster Plastics for Zero Emission.

Submission deadline for ideas: 14 October 2022, 23:59

More details on the funding process and on how to submit your idea can be found in the guidelines linked below.

Contact

If you have any further questions regarding this call for ideas, please contact us at info@plastics4zeroemission.ch