A Life Cycle Engineering Perspective on Biocomposites as a Solution for a Sustainable Recovery

Amy Fitzgerald, Will Proud, Ali Kandemir, Richard J. Murphy, David A. Jesson, Richard S. Trask, Ian Hamerton and Marco L. Longana
Additional contact information
Amy Fitzgerald: Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
Will Proud: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, Queen’s Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
Ali Kandemir: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, Queen’s Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
Richard J. Murphy: Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
David A. Jesson: Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
Richard S. Trask: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, Queen’s Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
Ian Hamerton: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, Queen’s Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
Marco L. Longana: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, Queen’s Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-25

Abstract: Composite materials, such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxies, provide more efficient structures than conventional materials through light-weighting, but the associated high energy demand during production can be extremely detrimental to the environment. Biocomposites are an emerging material class with the potential to reduce a product’s through-life environmental impact relative to wholly synthetic composites. As with most materials, there are challenges and opportunities with the adoption of biocomposites at the each stage of the life cycle. Life Cycle Engineering is a readily available tool enabling the qualification of a product’s performance, and environmental and financial impact, which can be incorporated in the conceptual development phase. Designers and engineers are beginning to actively include the environment in their workflow, allowing them to play a significant role in future sustainability strategies. This review will introduce Life Cycle Engineering and outline how the concept can offer support in the Design for the Environment, followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of biocomposites throughout their life cycle.

Keywords: circular economy; composite product design; end of life; industrial applications; sustainable composites (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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