Non-Polluting Composites Repair and Remanufacturing for Military Applications: An Environmental and Cost-Savings Analysis

Polymer-matrix composite material and structural adhesive repair and manufacturing have significant environmental cost. These costs are documented based on current and anticipated future Department of Defense use of these materials. This special report first establishes an environmental baseline by identifying the hazardous materials encountered during composite repair and manufacturing operations and presents conservative estimates of usage and waste production. The principal issues for reducing the environmental impact and its associated cost are: (1) reduction in hazardous waste by eliminating shelf-life limitations; (2) reduction in nitrogen oxides by replacing global heating of the part with localized heating; (3) reduction in volatile organic compound emissions by accelerated curing and containment; and (4) reduction in hazardous waste by minimizing production debris through processing step management. The effect of addressing these issues is evaluated from both environmental and cost perspectives based on the assumption that the necessary technology advances can be made.Army Research Lab Aberdeen Proving Ground is the author of 'Non-Polluting Composites Repair and Remanufacturing for Military Applications: An Environmental and Cost-Savings Analysis' with ISBN 9781423540816 and ISBN 1423540816.