Foamsep - separation of foam from composites

Important results from the project

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The aim of the project was to investigate a simple and inexpensive method for separating foam from thermoplastic composites. The goal was to separate enough to be able to materially recycle the thermoplastic composite.

Expected long term effects

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The result was an extended collaboration between the companies and a promising technology. Foam separation will be addressed in a proposal for a larger R&D project with more partners.

Approach and implementation

The tests were carried out with discarded instrument panels consisting of a PP/GF carrier, a PUR comfort foam and a surface layer. After size reduction, the density of the mixture was 109 g/l. After air separation, a fraction with a density of 100 g/l and one with a density of 290 g/l were obtained, i.e. a significantly higher bulk density. A sample plate was pressed from the high bulk density material. The material had similar stiffness but lower strength than the equivalent thermoplastic composite. A solution for the foam fraction is needed for handling on a larger scale.