# Quantitative Evaluation of Composite Recyclability Using Visible-Light Microscopy and Image Processing Techniques

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a method using microscopy and image processing to evaluate how well composites can be recycled.

## Contribution

A new quantitative method for assessing composite recyclability using visible-light microscopy and image processing.

## Key findings

- The average particle density decreased from 43.30% to 8.30% after recycling.
- The method proved effective for evaluating the quality of composite recycling.

## Abstract

Composites are essential materials in a wide range of industrial and medical applications due to their unique functional properties. One of the main issues of composites arises at their end-of-life stage, especially in terms of the recyclability process and its quantitative evaluation. In this study, we present a quantitative methodology for assessing the quality of composite recycling, using a paraffin-based microcomposite with the addition of tungsten particles (at one concentration 50 wt.%) as an example. Our approach combines visible-light microscopy with digital image processing techniques to obtain quantitative metrics related to recycling efficiency. The tools utilized—recognized as relatively common and uncomplicated for use in various scientific fields—have shown that the value of average particle density significantly decreased from a primary value of 43.30% to 8.30%. Consequently, the presented results confirm the usefulness of the method for the quantitative assessment of the quality of the recycling process.