Preliminary investigations about the separation of automotive composite components by a hydro-erosive method
A new method for separating fibrous coatings and backing materials of automotive components is introduced. The selective performance of high-speed water jets with velocities up to 300 m/s is utilized to mill backing materials from textile card webs without fibre damage, and selectively to remove textile coatings from luggage boot linings, insulating sheets and columns. The individual separation processes are discussed. The particular material removal process depends on the structure and properties of the compounds. Permeability plays an important role. It is shown that any individual separation process is characterized by an energy threshold, and typical values for these thresholds are provided. The new method is a very reliable tool for selective separation. Quality aspects as well as economical aspects are also discussed.