Some Environmental Aspects of the Application of Fibre Reinforced Plastics inStructures

摘要

Recycling of plastics and composites is generally recognized as an importanttopic in view of reduction of the use of finite resources and reduction of waste production. Recycling can be understood literally in a sense that, after completing its life cycle, a product is reprocessed to an identical product. A broader perception of recycling allows the reprocessing of waste products to other, sometimes less valuable products. Considering recycling aspects only, neglects the use of resources and waste production related to the use of the product during its life time. The paper discusses some of these aspects, and demonstrates in particular that the application of composites in transport may reduce the use of resources and the production of waste, to an extent which is potentially much larger than that of the involved composite material itself.