For a circular economy, the ability of a precise identification of products and materials in all life cycle phases is an enabler. Markers can be used effectively for material identification and they can also be physically integrated into the semi-finished polymer. This paper focuses on the integration of fluorescent particles into fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) via VARI infiltration. Initial experimental studies show possibilities for the application of markers in FRC.
Thereby, interaction between marker particles, FRC and manufacturing process variations are analyzed. Additionally, the influence of textile permeability on the particle distribution of markers within the composite is addressed. When processing these polymer mixtures within a VARI process, the reinforcement textiles and processing aids lead to the filtration of marker particles, which is why process execution must be adapted to achieve a more efficient marking process.