Glass Fibre-Reinforced Composite Materials Used in the Aeronautical Transport Sector: A Critical Circular Economy Point of View

George-Valentin Săftoiu, Carolina Constantin (), Adrian-Ionuț Nicoară, George Pelin, Denisa Ficai and Anton Ficai
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George-Valentin Săftoiu: Romaero S.A., Ficusului Street 44, 013975 Bucharest, Romania
Carolina Constantin: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Adrian-Ionuț Nicoară: Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
George Pelin: National Institute for Aerospace Research and Development “Elie Carafoli”, 061126 Bucharest, Romania
Denisa Ficai: National Centre of Micro and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Anton Ficai: Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-23

Abstract: Progress in composite materials has led to their use in applications where improved mechanical and resistance characteristics are required. Most composites are obtained in such a way that they present specific mechanical properties and/or have the role of both a thermal conductor and insulator; these properties are important, specific, specialized, and useful. The advantages of these materials compared to the classic ones are as follows: low weight, high resistance to wear and corrosion, and mechanical characteristics consistent with the subsequent use of the product. The slightly high costs of these materials are justified by their precision, the quality of the products obtained, and the fact that their use leads to increased reliability, maintenance, and, in the cases of the automotive and aeronautical industries, reduced energy consumption. This paper aims to bring to readers’ attention the latest research related to glass fibre-reinforced composite materials in transport-related applications, such as automotive and aeronautic applications, including the manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Considering the long period of use, the recycling and reuse of composite materials used in aeronautical transport is a must considering the environmental aspects and the need of achieving a circular economy. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to find new alternatives to improve the performance and durability of materials in the aeronautical transport sector.

Keywords: glass fibres; UAV; surface modification by silanization; circular economy; aerospace industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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