Francisco Lahuerta Calahorra

Personal Information

1. Name: Francisco Lahuerta Calahorra
2. Position/Title: Senior Research Scientist / Project manager
3. Department: Materials and components and digital technologies
4. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9825-0232

Professional Background

4. Briefly describe your professional background and area of expertise:

   Francisco Lahuerta Calahorra received his PhD from TU Delft and his Ingeniero Industrial degree from University of Zaragoza. He is working in ITAINNOVA (Zaragoza, Spain) as Senior Research Scientist. Previously he worked as Senior Engineer in LM Windpower and as Research Scientist in the former WMC Knowledge Centre in The Netherlands. He has contributed actively to industrial and funded projects related to light weighting, optimization, data science, composites recycling, LCA, computational modelling, generative design, material and sub-component mechanical testing, composites manufacturing processes, material modelling, fatigue life prediction methods, non-destructive techniques, image processing, structural health monitoring and preventive maintenance, ML and scientific programming. He is author of several patents, scientific journals, Python packages and conferences publications. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9825-0232

5. What inspired you to pursue a career in this related field, e.g., composite materials recycling?:

   My journey into composite materials recycling was a natural progression stemming from my background in wind energy with a prevalent use of composite materials in this sector. This realization fueled my passion to contribute to a future where the advancement of composite use is seamlessly integrated with environmentally responsible practices, particularly through effective circular strategies. My aim is to help pave the way for a circular economy in composites, ensuring the sector's growth isn't hampered but rather enhanced by sustainable practices.

My aim is to help pave the way for a circular economy in composites, ensuring the sector's growth is enhanced—not limited—by sustainable practices.

Role in EURECOMP

6. What is your role in the EURECOMP project?:

   In EuReComp I am part of the ITA’s team as research scientist and project manager.

7. Can you describe your main responsibilities and tasks?

   ITA is mainly responsible for the coordination of Work Package 5, which is dedicated to the development of the industrial demos developed with the project recycled materials. In particular, ITA contributes to in task 5.4 with the development of the thermoplastic materials reinforced with recycled composite materials. In WP3 task 3.3 ITA contributes to the development of repair techniques for the reuse and life extension of composite material parts.

8. How does your work contribute to the overall goals of the EURECOMP project?:

   Recycling composite materials and life extension of composite material parts is part of the R6-strategy which drives the EuReComp project.

Project Insights

9. What do you find most exciting about working on the EURECOMP project?:

   What excites me most about EURECOMP is the profound shift in mindset it offers, revealing the complex interplay of technical, economic, cultural, and environmental factors in achieving a circular economy. It's truly inspiring to learn from such a diverse and enthusiastic group, expanding my understanding of material development and sustainability.

10. What has been the most challenging aspect of your work on this project?

    The most challenging aspect has been navigating the intricate balance required to integrate diverse R strategies, across varying technical, economic, cultural, and environmental landscapes within the project. It demands a constant re-evaluation of established engineering mindsets to truly foster a circular economy.

11. Can you share a significant milestone or achievement your team has reached so far?

    We managed to develop repair techniques for the reuse and life extension of composite material parts based on the use of 3D printed caul plates in collaboration with BioG3D. And to develop different grades of thermoplastic materials reinforced with recycled composite materials. As well as several scientific publications.

Personal Experience

12. What have you learned during your time working on EURECOMP?:

    Working on EuReComp has deepened my knowledge of sustainable composite approaches and highlighted the complex interplay of technical, economic, and cultural factors in a circular economy. I've also learned that collaborating with like-minded, visionary people is not only fulfilling but essential for the European project.

13. How has this project influenced your professional development?:

    EuReComp has been foundational, shifting my professional focus towards the circular economy of composites and leading directly to the creation of new follow-up projects.

Fun Facts

14. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

    I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My hobbies include diving into crime and science fiction books or films, as well as engaging in hands-on activities like computer projects, and bricolage.

15. Share a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know:

    I'm not particularly drawn to integrated fridges. My fridge has a very important second job as the official curator of a travel magnet collection, and it's not ready to retire yet.