Smart Polymer Composites in the Circular Economy
Smart Polymer Composites in the Circular Economy: Building a Future That Heals and Sustains Introduction I f the materials in your devices could repair themselves, be reused multiple times, and never truly become waste . This is the promise of combining the Circular Economy with Smart Polymer Composites—a future where electronics, automobiles, and medical devices are designed not just to perform, but to last, adapt, and regenerate. The Circular Economy at a Glance The circular economy replaces the old "take–make–dispose" model with one focused on: l Designing out waste l Keeping materials in use longer l Regenerating natural systems Smart polymer composites fit seamlessly into this vision. How Smart Polymer Composites Enable Circularity Self-Healing Ability : l Extends product life cycles by autonomously repairing cracks and micro-damage. l Reduces early disposal of electronics, wearables, and structural parts. Recyclability & Reprocessabil...