A Methodology for Evaluating Structural Composite Material by Environmental Criteria

This paper describes a methodology for comprehensively considering the environmental properties of composite materials systems. It includes assignment of numeric ratings to candidate materials per category of performance, and use of a simple weighted algorithm for deriving a combined score. The methodology has been demonstrated to be useful in evaluating and selecting composite materials on the basis of multiple environmental considerations, and in coordination with multiple engineering property considerations. It is also useful for identifying and prioritizing environmental concerns associated with material groups, which in our case led to better environmental mitigating measures and design optimization.