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Aviation and Transportation Technology Projects

Tecnológico de Monterrey students interested in the program, please address any questions about the application process to Dr. Juan José Cabrera Lazarini at jcabrera@tec.mx.

Recycling & Upcycling of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials

Faculty Name: Garam Kim

E-Mail: kim1652@purdue.edu

Project Term: Fall 2024 and/or Spring 2025

Project Description:

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer composites has substantial increase across various industries, due to their advantageous physical and mechanical properties. However, it also resulted in a corresponding increase in composite waste, but a comprehensive solution for the sustainable disposal of composite materials has yet to be fully solved. End-of-life composite parts are often relegated to landfills due to the absence of efficient recycling technology and the associated environmental and economic costs. This project aims to explore diverse approaches to recycle and upcycle different types of fiber-reinforced composites. The objective is to identify an effective method that ensures a closed-loop system for the sustainability of fiber-reinforced composites.

Requirements:

Students pursuing majors in Engineering or Technology-related disciplines. Self-motivated students with a strong interest in research endeavors. Candidates with prior experience and proficiency in Composite part design, fabrication, and testing will be preferred.