TG ID
TG2
Name
Sustainable End-of-Life FRP Scenarios
Subject
TG2 aims to address the increasing demand for effective and sustainable solutions for managing the end-of-life of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials. FRP is a critical material in many industries, including construction, aerospace, and automotive, and its widespread use has led to growing concerns over its environmental impact once it reaches the end of its life cycle. TG2 brings together experts from academia and industry to share knowledge, promote collaboration, and develop sustainable strategies that ensure FRP materials contribute to circular economy and support sustainable development goals.
Overview
TG2 will be formed to address the specific challenges related to the management and recycling of FRP materials at the end of their lifecycle. It will bring together global members from academia, industry, and policy-making bodies to share research, expertise, and innovative solutions. TG2 will encompass key priorities such as developing recycling technologies, promoting circular economy strategies, and fostering collaboration to implement sustainable practices across the FRP value chain. This structure aims to bridge knowledge gaps and address industry challenges, enhancing sustainability in FRP use and disposal.
TG2 will focus on addressing critical aspects of FRP material sustainability by targeting the following primary research areas (this is an evolving list and will update regularly):
- Understanding Existing FRP Wastes: Investigate the current inventory, sources, and management practices for FRP waste globally.
- Recyclable FRP Composites: Design and develop new FRP materials with enhanced recyclability.
- Thermoplastic Composites: Promote the use and development of thermoplastic-based FRP materials to enable reprocessing.
- End-of-life scenarios of glass/carbon fibre composites: Address specific pathways for glass fiber and carbon fibre composites, considering technical and economic feasibility.
- Advancing Recycling Technologies: Advance thermal, chemical, and mechanical recycling methods to improve efficiency and material recovery rates.
- Recycling in Concrete: Explore opportunities for integrating recycled FRP materials into concrete production, promoting circular usage in construction.
- Emerging Opportunities: Continuously update the scope with innovative solutions and new recycling methodologies as the field evolves.
This evolving list ensures the TG remains aligned with current industry challenges and research advancements, fostering collaboration to achieve meaningful progress.
Objectives
TG2 aims to achieve the following:
- Identifying new research trends and needs
- Regular monthly or bi-monthly online meetings
- Organization of IIFC webinar on related topics
- Organization of special sessions at IIFC’s supported conferences
- Publication of single articles or special issues in the IIFC newsletter and/or international journals (e.g., Journal of Composites for Construction, Structures, etc.)
- Promotion and facilitation of scientific exchanges, including exchanges of students and visits
- In-person meetings once every two years at the biennial official CICE conference
- Consideration of applying for financial support through national or international funding schemes (e.g., MSCA Doctoral Networks, COST Actions, etc.)
Program/Tasks and Timetable
TG2 will implement the following activities within an organized timeline to ensure consistent progress and impact:
- Regular Member Meetings: Held every two months to share updates and collaborate.
This will happen throughout the year. Meeting date and time will be circulated via email. - IIFC Webinar: Held annually to disseminate knowledge and showcase advancements.
This will happen throughout the year depending on the availability of the speakers. - Invited Talks: twice a year to feature expert insights on sustainable FRP solutions.
This will happen in June and December every year, can be made as IIFC webinars as well. - Special Sessions: at key conferences such as CICE and FRPRCS for discussions.
This will happen with the conference time. - Publication Repository: update with open-access publications on FRP sustainability.
This is an ongoing initiative and the repository will be updated in real time. - Funding Applications: Developed for initiatives like the MSCA Doctoral Network etc.
This will happen with the funding calls. - Annual Report: Prepared yearly to summarize TG2 activities and progress.
This will happen at the end of each year.
Expected deliverables
The following deliverables are expected:
- Publication repository related to TG topic
- Publications in IIFC newsletter and IIFC supported journals
- IIFC webinars
- Membership
- Annual report
Team
Chair: Dr. Chao Wu, Reader, Imperial College London, UK, c.wu@imperial.ac.uk
Co-Chair: Dr. Amr Alnemr, Associate Professor, German University in Cairo, Egypt, amr.elnemr@guc.edu.eg
Dr. Ali Hadigheh, Associate Professor, University of Sydney, Australia, ali.hadigheh@sydney.edu.au
