Sustainability in the Manufacturing of Composite Material
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 72
Special Issue Editors
Interests: additive manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: advanced manufacturing; medical product development; 4D printing; smart materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Composite materials, which combine two or more distinct components to create materials with superior properties, have revolutionized industries from aerospace to construction. However, their manufacturing processes present significant sustainability challenges that researchers and manufacturers are actively addressing.
Traditional composite manufacturing, particularly for fiber-reinforced polymers, often relies on energy-intensive processes and petroleum-based resins that create substantial environmental footprints. Thermoset composites, while durable, present end-of-life recycling difficulties, as they cannot be easily remelted or reformed.
Recent sustainability advancements focus on several key areas. Bio-based resins derived from plant sources like soybean oil, linseed oil, and lignin are replacing conventional petroleum-based polymers. Natural fibers such as flax, hemp, and jute are increasingly substituting synthetic reinforcements like glass and carbon fiber, reducing embodied energy and enabling biodegradability.
Manufacturing innovations are equally important for sustainability. Closed-loop manufacturing systems recapture and reuse solvents and excess materials. Out-of-autoclave processing techniques reduce energy consumption compared to traditional autoclave curing. Automated fiber placement minimizes material waste through precise deposition. Additive manufacturing approaches further reduce waste by building components layer by layer.
End-of-life considerations have gained prominence, with designs now incorporating recyclability. Thermoplastic composites, which can be remelted, offer advantages over thermosets. Mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling methods are being refined to recover valuable components from composite waste. The transition to sustainable composite manufacturing requires balancing environmental benefits against performance requirements and economic feasibility.
Dr. Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu
Prof. Dr. Deon De Beer
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- recyclability
- composite materials
- sustainability
- additive manufacturing
- waste reduction
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