Collaboration with KP Aviation: Reassessing Avionics with Elemental Analysis

Abstract

The aviation industry’s rapid growth presents a challenge to mitigate its carbon footprint. One implemented strategy is recycling and repurposing aircraft components. Recycling and repurposing aircraft material reduces the demand for component production, therefore reducing the environmental burden of the aviation industry. KP Aviation is an aftermarket aerospace material and services provider focused on enhancing the aviation ecosystem and extending the lifespan of aerospace materials. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and KP Aviation are collaborating to evaluate the benefit of recycling aerospace via precious metal detection. Total x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy will quantify these precious metals, providing insight into the intrinsic economic value (IEV) of the component. If the IEV is higher than previously thought, scrapping the component may be reconsidered