End-of-life analysis of advanced materials

Abstract

This dissertation has four major objectives: the first three ones are focused on the EOL of the advanced materials, while the fourth objective concerns the economic and environmental impacts of recycling aircraft materials. The major topics discussed are: (1) life cycle and nano-products: end-of-life assessment; (2) recycling of fiber reinforced composites and reusing in different fields as low cost products; (3) recycling of aircraft, and (4) evaluation of recycling efforts of aircraft companies in Wichita. The results of the study can be used to save primary resources for a longer materials life cycle; increase social awareness regarding the recycling and reusing issues; reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators. These results can be considered for many other manufacturing industries, such as automotive, electric and electronics, computers, telecommunications, ships, wood, paper, food, textiles, cosmetics, paint, defense, and others.