Objectives of the project

COMPOSER project targets CFRC de/remanufacturing as a whole by demonstrating a systemic approach for the valorization of CFRC EoL and waste material. The following key Project Objectives (POs) are aimed for, all grouped into four categories (materials development, repair and de/remanufacturing technologies, economic and environmental viability and assessment, dissemination & exploitation), characterized by well-identified Expected Results (ERs) and target Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

PO1 - Matrix materials development

  • PO1.1: Design and develop robust synthetic functionalization protocols to produce epoxy-based matrix materials with intrinsic repairability and recyclability through selected strategies of dynamic covalent chemistry (D-A, vitrimers).
  • PO1.2: Evaluate and optimize the processability of such polymers as thermally-responsive matrices for the incorporation of long CFs to produce CFRCs.
  • PO1.3: Evaluate the structural and functional response of such thermally-responsive matrices and validate them against homologous commercial epoxy-based benchmarks.
  • PO1.4: Formulate, design and fabricate first generation CFRCs incorporating virgin long CF mats into selected thermo-responsive epoxy-based matrices and validate them against homologous commercial epoxy-based benchmarks.

PO2 - CFRC repair and de/remanufacturing technologies

  • PO2.1: Set-up suitable inspection protocols for the non-destructive analysis of CFRC defects occurring during processing and operation.
  • PO2.2: Define and demonstrate appropriate CFRC repair and de/remanufacturing protocols for part recovery and reuse.
  • PO2.3: Define and demonstrate appropriate CFRC de/remanufacturing protocols for the recovery and reuse of CFs and thermo-responsive epoxy matrix.
  • PO2.4: Demonstrate fabrication of second generation CFRCs based on recovered CFs.

PO3 - Economic and environmental viability and assessment

  • PO3.1: Set-up circular economy oriented business models based on the supply chains identified and on the CFRC remanufacturing options developed in COMPOSER.
  • PO3.2: Evaluate economic and environmental benefits in CFRC EoL/waste management arising from COMPOSER compared with existing market options.
  • PO3.3: Optimize economic and environmental impact of the repair, remanufacturing and reuse options developed in COMPOSER through the analysis of different reverse logistic options.

PO4 - Dissemination & exploitation of results and market uptake

  • PO4.1: Define and implement suitable dissemination and exploitation activities led by young researchers aiming for wide dissemination of project results to different stakeholders in line with the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
  • PO4.2: Definition of appropriate measures to define the intellectual property right (IPR) strategy of the project.
  • PO4.3: Set-up appropriate monitoring activities to track stakeholders’ engagement and interest in the project.

COMPOSER project

Funded by Fondazione Cariplo