Recycling Polymeric based Composites for Construction Application

In the UK, glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) contributes to 75,000 tons end of life waste in addition to 6,200 tons of production waste. Because 90% of the UK’s FRP currently goes to landfill, the development of recycling solutions for composites is necessary. This is also due to the recent adoption of strict environmental legislation (such as the EU’s End of Life Vehicles Directive which aims to reduce the automotive waste disposed of in landfill by setting targets for reuse, recycling and recovery of materials). This has also led to increased restrictions and costs of composite landfill disposal (Composite in Manufacturing, CIM December 2019, pp 59). On the other hand, the use of composite materials is considerably rising in many industries including aerospace, automotive, sports and medical equipment. Polymeric composites, such as CFRPs and GFRPs, are typically manufactured by laying up pre-impregnated sheets and hence machining processes are necessary to achieve the required geometrical & dimensional accuracy and create features such as holes for assembly. 

This project aims to critically investigate different methods of recycling/reusing composite waste (either as production waste or end-of-life waste) to develop strategies for manufacturing functionalised construction structures entirely/partially made from waste. The project is experimentally based and will include the use of equipment such as 3D printers, a CNC machining centre, and optical and electron microscopy. The project will also create an advanced computer model using ABAQUS to investigate the structural behaviour of GFRP and CFRP composite structures made from recycled materials. The models will be validated using experimental results and then will be used in a detailed parametric study. Finally, a new set of design equations based on experimental and numerical studies will be developed to determine the structural capacities of GFRP and CFRP composite structures made of recycling materials.

Academic qualifications

A second class honour degree or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing Engineering

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Prof.Islam Shyha (Email: [Email Address Removed]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.