As described in the last newsletter (December 2021), from a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), project members were able to select and confirm the four promising End of Life (EoL) methods for the six bio-composites selected: dissolution, solvolysis, mechanical recycling and pyrolysis. These EoL technologies have been evaluated through laboratory testing in the final period of the project.
Figure 1. Pyrolysis at laboratory scale in Eliot project: equipment used (upper left); liquids, waxes and solids obtained after the pyrolysis (upper rigth and lower) Figure 2. Laboratory equipment used for the solvolysis tests: backflow system (left), reactor (centre) and distillation system (right) Figure 3. Experimental equipment used for preliminary dissolution tests at laboratory scale
With regard to the preparation of samples for the evaluation of EoL technologies at laboratory scale, six different samples of biocomposites were prepared from three fibres (flax, carbon and basalt) and two bio-based resins (epoxy and polyfurfuryl-alcohol). Prior to processing, the samples were grinded at two sizes to evaluate the influence of particle size on the results obtained from selected EoL methods.
Figure 4. Pictures taken from grinded biocomposites
To assess and rank the best EoL technologies for the recovery of selected biocomposites, the output products generated from these processes have been characterised in terms of yield (output producto/input waste), composition, purity, quality, etc.
In parallel to this study, a simplified techno-economic analysis and streamlined LCA have been performed to determine the up-scaling potential of different EoL methods.
Deliverables available:
- D2.1. State of the art of EoL methods for (bio)composites
- D2.2. Preliminary definition of EoL concepts for biocomposites
- D4.1. “MDCA report: methodology, assessment and results”
- D7.1. Dissemination Plan
- D7.2. Exploitation Plan
If you want to download the public deliverables, please register as stakeholder in the following link. Once registered you will receive the reports.
4. BECOME A STAKEHOLDER
The ELIOT team is looking for stakeholders interested in the results of the project. Are you a company from the composites value chain? We are looking for waste managers, recyclers, end users in different sectors, as well as policymakers, sectoral associations and other relevant bodies. The ELIOT solutions might generate additional market opportunities for your business. As a stakeholder, you will be invited to workshops to promote the project findings. The workshop will offer the chance to come into discussion with researchers and relevant industry stakeholders.
You can become a stakeholder in the following link.
5. NEXT STEPS
The biocomposites manufactured by AIMPLAS will be adapted to the needs of each specific EoL method to be tested. The adaptation entails the treating of biocomposites by grinding or adjusting the size or shape of biocomposites to each EoL technology. As a result, a report on the materials, methods and results from the experimental analysis conducted at laboratory scale for each selected EoL method will be prepared. Special attention will be also given to the scalability of each EoL method tested. Accordingly, the report will present the main results of the study of up-scaling factors, including results from a simplified techno-economic analysis and streamlined Life Cycle Assesment.
Among the EoL methods validated at laboratory scale, those showing the best results in terms of potential scalability will be demonstrated at a larger scale. The demonstration will involve the testing of each EoL method at pre-industrial scale using the pilot plants of TNO and AIMPLAS. A full techno-economic analysis and LCA will be conducted to demonstrate the representativeness and reliability of the results obtained at a production level closer to industrial scale. The environmental impacts of the new EoL methods will be compared to the impacts of current treatment routes for composite waste (incineration and landfill) in order to calculate the environmental savings that can be achieved with the project. The red box of Figure 1 shows the activities in which the research organizations will be working in the second part of the project: the experimental work at laboratory level and demonstrations at preindustrial scale using real biocomposite parts. In addition, the evaluation and decision-making processes in the project will be driven and supported by techno-economic analysis and LCA.
Figure 2. Work to be performed in the second part of the project.
6. QUESTIONARY
To know the perception of companies about biocomposites and their introduction in the transport industry. Also to know their opinion about EoL methods for the recovery of biocomposites and related final applications
Eliot project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme for the Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative under grant agreement No 887073.
