Solid waste accumulation is a major challenge. Recycling efforts, spurred by material shortages after World War II, led to near-zero-waste manufacturing and compostable plastics. Yet composites remain difficult to recycle. These materials are critical for lightweight electric vehicles, aerospace, defense, energy systems, and construction. The global composites market is about $100 billion (2022–2023), with 25% by volume in construction. However, recycling composites typically degrades properties, preventing reuse in similar applications. As composites move from lab to widespread use, waste grows while recovery strategies lag. At Penn State, the Randall group’s cold sintering process offers a solution. We have demonstrated its ability to recycle battery and structural composites, advancing materials circularity in a unique and promising way.
Enrique Gomez | Chemical Engineering