Multilayer composite prepreg reuse of composites parts

  • VAZQUEZ SANCHEZ, PABLO (AIRBUS)
  • MARTIN MORENO, ZULIMA (AIRBUS)
  • Amate Illescas, Ana (AIRBUS)

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If we want to maintain, or even increase, the current level of use of high-performance composite materials, some major challenges need to be solved: reduction in the cost of the final structure, reduction in energy consumption during the manufacturing cycle from the base material to the final structure, and develop strategies following the “3Rs Circular Economy” approach: Reduce, reuse and recycling technologies to produce materials and structures with high added value. This presentation has the intention to show Airbus work on the reuse of multilayer uncured prepreg scrap generated in AFP, to be used for the manufacturing of non-loaded parts by BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound). The presentation will include: Problem understanding: Multilayer prepreg scrap represents an important part of the fresh scrap generated in the manufacturing plants and no feasible technology has been yet developed to treat this type of residue due to the difficulty of separating layers without completely damaging the composite prepreg. Reuse process: multilayer prepreg scrap treatment, part production, material characterization. Use cases: Opportunities to introduce parts made of reuse prepreg on real aircraft