Robert Kupfer

Robert Kupfer

Personal Information

  1. Name: Robert Kupfer
  2. Position/Title: Head of Neutral Lightweight Engineering / Dr.-Ing
  3. Department: TUD Dresden University of Technology, Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology

Professional Background

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

    I am a mechanical engineer with a strong background in materials analysis and process development for plastics and composites in high-volume lightweight applications. Originally my research focussed on the production and joining of thermoplastic composites and hybrid lightweight structures. In recent years, I have increasingly focussed on the entire life cycle of components. As a result, the effects of recycling on material properties, sustainability assessment and sustainability-orientated development processes now play a central role in my work.

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

    My drive to engage in this field is rooted in a deep love for our planet and a strong desire to contribute to its well-being. The finite nature of the earth's material resources combined with the growing environmental challenges we face have driven me to focus on sustainable practices, particularly in the area of plastics and composite circularity. The technical and scientific challenges associated with finding innovative solutions for material recycling continue to drive me and pique my curiosity in this field.

   My drive to engage in this field is rooted in a deep love for our planet and a strong desire to contribute to its well-being.

Role in EURECOMP

  1. What is your role in the EURECOMP project?

    In EureComp I am part of the TUD team and the project manager and contact person for the identification of circular ecosystems for composites in Task 1.4 and the research on water-based solvolysis processes in Task 4.1.

  2. Can you describe your main responsibilities and tasks?

    TUD is mainly responsible for the coordination of Work Package 4 which is dedicated to the recycling of CFRP structures and the reclamation of the reinforcing fibers. In Task 4.1 we investigate the potentials and challenges of sub- and supercritical solvolysis for composites. In Work Package 1 we contribute to the development of eco-settings for the implementation of a circular economy for FRPs. We also produce composite test specimens from defined fibre-matrix combinations for our partners, with the aim of optimising the identification systems (WP2) and solvolysis techniques (WP4).

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

    Solvolysis with subcritical and supercritical water contribute to the recycling of multi-material systems, as is often the case in practice. The studies on circular eco systems help to identify and evaluate possible value chains in the recycling of composites and address potential challenges.

Project Insights

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

    I love the diversity and interdisciplinarity of the team. The transnational collaboration between industry and science brings together different perspectives and expertise, which helps me to better understand the many aspects of the circular economy of composites.

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

    The setup of the plant technology and the parameter identification for the solvolysis with supercritical water were major challenges, as we are dealing with very high process temperatures and pressures. Beside that, the experimental validation of the simulations in WP4 represents a major challenge due to the extreme differences in scale and the associated size influences.

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

    We have learnt that solvolysis with critical water is also suitable for composites and hybrid composites, which are otherwise difficult to recycle. Another relevant finding is that solvolysis is not yet economically viable for glass fiber composites and that other eco-settings must therefore be found for this material class.

  We have learnt that solvolysis with critical water is also suitable for composites and hybrid composites, which are otherwise difficult to recycle.

Personal Experience

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

    I have a much better understanding of how complex the interaction of technical, economic, cultural and environmental aspects can be for the circular economy in different regions.

  2. How has this project influenced your professional development?

    I have decided to make the investigation of the material-related aspects, technological challenges, and economic factors in the context of the circular economy and sustainability of composites a central focus of my future work.

  I love the diversity and interdisciplinarity of the team. The transnational collaboration between industry and science brings together different perspectives and expertise, helping me to better understand the circular   economy of composites.

Fun Facts

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

    I like bouldering and climbing. In my holidays I enjoy hiking or canoe touring. Beside that there is always work on my farm or in the forest.

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

    I live on a small farm which is the home of my wife, daughter and me as well as four Scottish Highland cattle, two cats and many birds, hedgehogs, foxes, deers, badgers… 😊.