Life Cycle Assessment of ecological improved Composites for aviation - a review

Abstract

Today, mainly synthetic materials like petrol based carbon fibres and epoxy resins are used to produce composite parts for application as primary structures, secondary structures and interior furnishings in aviation. Renewable materials like natural fibres or bio-based resin systems offer good specific properties and environmental advantages, but have not found their way into aviation, yet. Life Cycle Assessment is a tool to calculate environmental impacts during all life stages of a product, from raw material extraction to the end of life. This paper aims to give an overview on already published Life Cycle Assessment results and data availability for materials that are considered to have a reduced environmental impact. The main focus was laid on the bio-based bast fibres flax and ramie, recycled carbon fibres and bio-based thermoset resin systems. Furthermore an overview of existing state-of-the-art composite materials used in aviation with their environmental aspects is given.