Laser shock assisted dismantling: keys issues and parameters

Laser shock assisted dismantling: keys issues and parameters

Fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials (using glass or carbon fibers) combine two or more constituent materials, each contributing to enhanced properties ^[1].

These materials are essential in various applications due to their advantageous properties, such as excellent mechanical performance, a favorable strength-to-density ratio, and lightweight characteristics that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions ^[2].

The extensive production has increased composite waste making the recycling and reuse of composite materials urgent. Recycling these materials poses significant challenges due to the complex structure of composites, particularly those reinforced with thermoset resins ^[3].

Chemical, thermal, and mechanical recycling methods do not always meet environmental and quality standards ^{[4, 5, 6, 7, 8]}. Indeed, chemical recycling generates hazardous byproducts. Thermal recycling may degrade the quality of the fibers, and mechanical recycling often produces shorter, less durable fibers.

As an alternative, laser shock dismantling technology is an innovative method for disassembling laminated composites for potential reuse. This method allows precise, selective dismantling and is suitable for various materials.

The following lesson introduces the principles and critical parameters of laser shock technology for dismantling composite materials, emphasizing its potential to promote sustainable reuse.