The continued use of thermosetting matrix composite materials is under threat from new environmental initiatives (eg ELV and WEEE). The aim of this Workshop is to expedite the use of quantitative LCA to determine whether thermoset composites are really the environmental threat that may be perceived without such analysis.  

Whilst thermoplastic matrix composites offer the opportunity for recycling at the end-of-life they require a greater energy input in the fabrication of structures due to the melting point normally being ~200 deg C above the use temperature (assuming the latter is below the glass transition temperature).  Thermosets may be a potential landfill problem (but their use as reinforcing fillers may be a viable alternative) but large structures can be fabricated with minimal energy requirements and hence lower carbon emissions.  

This one day workshop will consider the case for each material and seek to identify what needs to be done to achieve a rational analysis of this potential dilemma.