CIDETEC Surface Engineering promotes new chemical and mixed composite recycling technologies in the COMAR project

In collaboration with INCOM and SOFITEC, it will develop new and more sustainable composite materials for sectors such as wind, transport, construction or aeronautics.

The COMAR project focuses on finding new ways to recycle and reuse waste from composites based on thermosetting and vitrimeric matrices, through different chemical recycling techniques, such as pyrolysis and solvolysis.

The aim of the project is to develop new products for the construction, wind energy and transport sectors, based on materials obtained from the recycling of composite waste, under conditions that preserve or, if necessary, restore the mechanical properties of the fibres obtained. The by-products obtained, for example, in processes such as solvolysis, will lead to the formation of new matrices that can be used in these or other sectors of interest.

This will aim to:

• Establish innovative ways to reuse and recycle composites waste to minimise energy consumption and maximise the properties of the recovered fibres.

• Enhance the sustainability of the composites industry through the valorisation of by-products.

• Reduce the environmental impact of solvolysis and pyrolysis by exploring the use of catalysts.

• Provide a waste recovery strategy for each application.

• Promote the circular economy in the composites sector.

• Promote digitalisation and Industry 4.0 in the composites sector in order to improve productivity, quality and costs.

CIDETEC Surface Engineering collaborates with INCOM and SOFITEC:

Together with INCOM, CIDETEC is working on the creation of next generation fully recyclable, 3R glass resin composites, from recovered fibres and cores. These materials will be validated by INCOM in the manufacture of prototypes for sectors such as wind, transport and construction.

On the other hand, the collaboration between CIDETEC and SOFITEC is geared towards the aeronautical sector, where the use of more sustainable composites is also being explored. CIDETEC is responsible for recovering high added value carbon fibres from first generation composites based on 3R glass resins, for reuse in new second generation composites.

The COMAR project, funded by the CDTI through the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027, aims to achieve sustainability and reduce the environmental impact in the composites industry, promoting the circular economy in this sector.