Design Life-Cycle

Darren Catabay 

Professor Christina Cogdell

DES040

06 June 2024

Drones: Material

There has been an increase in the use of drones. Drones are compact, and mobile, and are very effective in capturing pictures, and videos from high above or down low. They are easy to control and maneuver around to effectively capture the scene. However, these drones cannot be lightweight or effectively capture the cinematography without the material that is used to create them. Materials like carbon fiber are commonly used for drones to have that lightweight and resistant material so that it can withstand impacts without breaking easily. High-definition cameras are also used to capture the best high-quality pictures and videos. This research paper looks into the materials used from where it first came from to how it is used on the drone to enhance the performance and durability of the drone. 

For a drone to be efficient in the air it has to be lightweight, strong, durable, and within the environment it is in. To achieve this we should first look at the materials used to create a drone. The raw materials that are used to create drones are petroleum, polyacrylonitrile, copper, titanium, aluminum, graphemes, magnesium, and nickel. To see how these raw materials are used in the drone we should first look at the drone’s body and the parts materials that are used to create it. The body of the drone is made up of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is created with mostly polyacrylonitrile and petroleum pitch. The reason carbon fiber is used is because it is stronger than steel and lightweight. We have to keep the body of the drone lightweight so that it can zoom through the air without any excessive weight holding it back. Other materials like plastic can also be used as a substitute for carbon fiber. Carbon fiber and plastic can also be found in the propellers of the drone. As well as nylon composites, which are lightweight and durable give the drone a good performance. It also allows some flexibility which helps the drone absorb shocks and vibrations during the flight. Moving on to the motor of the drone which helps with the propulsion, maneuverability, stability, and efficiency of the drone. The main materials used in the motor are copper, steel, iron, magnets, aluminum, ball bearings, laminates, and resins. The copper is used for wire windings for its great electrical conductivity in order to efficiently transmit power throughout the drone. The laminates and resins in the motor are used to help prevent short circuits and to make sure that everything in the motor is operating properly. Steel and iron are used for their magnetic properties, and the magnets are used to provide high magnetic fields. The motor is housed in aluminum because it is lightweight and strong but also provides high heat dissipation for the drone.  

For the drone to operate properly there has to be a proper power system. The purpose of the power system is to provide and manage the proper power and information throughout the drone to operate efficiently. One of the most important components of the power system is the battery. It is a lithium-polymer battery. It is made with lithium compounds, cobalt, and nickel. Then the battery is encased in an aluminum casing. Then there are the semiconductors which are made with silicon-based transistors. These conductors are used to control the power delivery throughout the whole drone. With the conductors, there are circuit boards that are made of fiberglass with copper traces. To help everything not overheat there are heat sinks usually made with aluminum to help dissipate the heat. The wiring and connectors throughout the power system are made with copper or brass to help with better conductivity throughout. Outside the drone, there is the flight controller that gives the signal to the drone on where to go and when to record. Some microprocessors are made with silicon-based integrated circuits, and a circuit board made with fiberglass and copper traces. Then there are the sensors made for     Finally there is the GPS module which is made up of an antenna and a circuit board to receive the necessary information on the location of the drone and where it needs to go. 

One last important component is the camera system of the drone. The housing of the camera is made with aluminum alloys which can also be found to house the lens. This is so that it can protect the components of the camera and hold it in place. For the lens optical glass which is a high quality glass, to create clarity and precision in capturing images and videos. It is also anti-reflective and has protective coatings. This is so that it can protect it from scratches, help enhance light transmission, and protect it from any environmental damage. Image sensors are also in place in the camera. It is typically made of silicon. This is used for the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. The CMOS is to help capture the light and convert it into electronic signals. It is protected by plastic or ceramic which shields it from dust and other damages. The camera is a vital component because it creates the images and videos that the drone is flying over. It also gives the user an idea of what the drone is seeing. 

Maintaining the drone is a process in itself so that the drone is always running smoothly and efficiently after every use. For cleaning the drone, microfiber cloth is commonly used to clean the lens and other parts of the drone without scratching it. Compressed air and brushes are used to get any dust or debris that may have made it through hard-to-reach places of the drone. Isopropyl alcohol helps with getting rid of built-up dirt or other messes on the drone. Lubrication is also important. Silicone lubricants are used for any of the moving parts of the drone. Bearing oil is used to help ensure that everything is operating properly in the motor’s bearings. It is also handy to keep any parts that may be damaged or used up easily. For instance, the propellers, batteries, motor bearings, screws and fasteners. This is to ensure that you can replace any parts as needed at any time. And to make sure that the drone is also properly protected when transporting any protective storage cases. This is so that no parts are being tossed back and forth while being moved from place to place. 

There are also many different materials used to package and transport the drones. For instance, for the hard cases, polycarbonate is used to help case and protect the drones during transportation. They are designed so that they encase and protect the drone from any impact, moisture, or dust that may get on it during the transportation process. Inside the cases there are EVA foam inserts that cushion and add a layer of protection for the drone. To secure and keep the drone from moving around, elastic bands are used to prevent the drone from shifting. As another layer of protection, there are soft cases for the drone. There is usually a nylon fabric that is used for the outer shell of the case making it lightweight, durable, and resistant to tearing. There are pads inside the case made from foam. For packaging to ship the drone and other accessories with it, cardboard boxes are commonly used. Cardboard is not expensive and is lightweight to help protect the drones during transit. To provide another extra layer of cushion there are sometimes bubble wrap, and air pillows, which are made out of plastic, added in the cardboard box. Lastly, adhesive labels are used on the outer layer of the box. These labels are used to identify the content of the box and provide proper instructions on how to handle the package. 

To properly dispose of a drone there are some important instructions to follow. Try to erase any data that remains on the drone. Remove any SD or memory cards that may still be in the drone. Then the lithium-ion batteries must be removed and taken to a designated recycling facility to be disposed of correctly. Many parts of the drone can be recycled through an e-waste recycling facility. Components such as the circuit boards, sensors, and motors can be recycled. Smaller parts like the propellers and other metal materials used can be taken apart and recycled separately. However plastic and other composite frames of the drone cannot be recycled through e-waste. Many metal components can be recycled at a scrap metal recycling facility. One main metal that can be recycled is copper. Plastic parts can be taken to any recycling facility if they properly accept that type of material. However, carbon fiber is a little more tricky when it comes to recycling. There are specialized composite recycling facilities that can take carbon fiber to be recycled. Small parts like copper wires and connectors can be taken to a metal or e-waste cycling facility. Many brands of drones also have a recycling program for their products. 

The choices in materials used for drones for filing are handpicked to ensure stability and a high-quality drone. These materials are used to optimize the performance, durability, and functionality of the drone. The use of carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and high-strength plastic ensures that the drone is well protected from the environment or where it is being used. Other materials such as fiberglass, copper, and grapheme are used to make sure that internal components are working properly. Finally, the components for the camera are all to ensure that the drone can capture images and videos at high resolution. The components that are used for a filming drone are precise to ensure the best performance. 

Work Cited:

Macfos. “Step by Step Guide for Building a Carbon Fiber Frame Drone Kit.” Robu.in | Indian Online Store | RC Hobby | Robotics, 23 May 2023, robu.in/guide-for-building-a-carbon-fiber-frame-drone-kit/. 

Agencywebdev. “Drone Batteries: Everything You Need to Know.” Coastal Drone, 6 Dec. 2023, coastaldrone.co/drone-batteries-everything-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=They%20are%20usually%20made%20of,hazard%20if%20not%20handled%20properly. 

EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries#:~:text=Li%2Dion%20batteries%2C%20or%20those,put%20in%20municipal%20recycling%20bins. Accessed 6 June 2024. 

“DJI Mavic 3 pro - Inspiration in Focus.” DJI, www.dji.com/mavic-3-pro?from=store-product-page. Accessed 3 May 2024. 

Ghadge, Aryan. “Composite Materials in Drone Design.” Medium, Karman Drones, 29 Mar. 2023, blog.karmandrones.com/composite-materials-in-drone-design-4433a66d4d2b. 

Sam. “Drone Manufacturing: Understanding Costs, Materials, and Methods: AT-Machining.” AT, 8 Feb. 2024, at-machining.com/drone-manufacturing/. 

Yusuff, Yusuff Adeniyi. “The Camera Technology Used in Drones.” AZoOptics, 14 July 2022, www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1915. 

Sam. “Drone Manufacturing: Understanding Costs, Materials, and Methods: AT-Machining.” AT, 8 Feb. 2024, at-machining.com/drone-manufacturing/#:~:text=Materials%20Used%20in%20the%20Drone%20Industry,-Drone%20Component%20of&text=Materials%20for%20drones%20must%20be,innovative%20composites%20for%20enhanced%20performance. 

Slone Fox    March 19, et al. “5 Uses for Drones in Recycling & Waste Management.” Recycling Product News, www.recyclingproductnews.com/article/41556/5-uses-for-drones-in-recycling-and-waste-management. Accessed 6 June 2024. 

UMILES, Gloria. “What Are the Parts of a Dron? Full List.” UMILES, 29 Aug. 2023, umilesgroup.com/en/what-are-the-parts-of-a-drone-full-list/#Arms. 

Peter Qian

Professor Cognell

Design 40

06 June 2024

Is What You Put In What You Get Out?

In a world that is integrating futuristic concepts of technology into daily life, the implementation of drones has been a forefront tool utilized across a variety of industries. Their versatility in tasks such as aerial photography, agriculture, construction, surveillance, environmental monitoring, and emergency response and logistics has opened up a gateway of new opportunities for advancing traditional practices. These aerial vehicles allow for easier access to remote or hazardous areas, high-resolution imaging capabilities, and more inexpensive efficient data collection. Similar to other rapid revolutions in technology, energy consumption throughout their life cycle has raised concerns for the environment regarding the rapid advancements in drone technology The energy consumption of drones burns through primary and secondary energy sources at each stage of their life cycle. However, a drone's energy consumption in comparison to other transportation vehicles is far more efficient as our carbon footprint makes its mark on the environment. A better understanding of drone energy consumption throughout their life cycle from its primary source to the product’s disposal will help develop an evaluation of the drone technologies' overall energy sustainability.

The life cycle shows the process of a product from the moment its materials are extracted to the moment the product is put to death. The main aspects of the life cycle consist of raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, recycling, and end-of-life management. Each stage has requirements for energy inputs, emissions, and resource utilization, which inevitably add to the environmental footprint of drones. Evaluation of each stage’s energy consumption opens up opportunities for drone advancement or a reason to look elsewhere for more efficient alternatives.

The production and manufacturing of drones begin with the extraction of primary materials. Aluminum, titanium, and steel are metals that make up the drones. Polymers and composite materials such as carbon fiber contribute to the drone’s lightweight and more efficient frame. A high-energy mining process is required to extract these metals and this process can use up to 200 megajoules per kilogram (Yang). The machines that are operated to extract the materials require a high usage of fossil fuels and processing further burns more as electricity, a secondary source of energy from fossil fuels is needed to carry the processing out. Similarly, the production of polymers and composite materials require a significant amount of energy. Polymerization and molding are needed for the production and relies on fossil fuels and electricity as well. Manufacturing the drone adds on to the energy from various sources like coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy. The process of assembling the drone and its components proves to be very energy-intensive. Its estimated energy requirements range from 0.2 to 2.0 megajoules per unit (Yang). Propulsion systems, including motors, propellers, and batteries, all essential components for manufacturing, contribute to its high energy consumption. Not to mention the factories manufacturing the drones require heating, cooling, and lighting which according to electricity plans can use up to 95.1 kilowatt-hours. Depending on the battery used, the energy for production and manufacturing of drones can be concerned regarding energy consumption. BEV type consumes the most energy to produce and manufacture out of all Lithium-Ion batteries with an outlier score of 218 MJ/KJ while the rest falls below 130 MJ/KJ (Dunn et al.). The combination of both greatly pollutes the environment causing soil erosion, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. A solution for a less energy-intensive production will do great justice to the environment and overall energy sustainability.

Once produced and manufactured, drones are transported to distributors via other motorized vehicles. The energy consumption can vary with different transportation methods depending on the distance, vehicle, and efficiency. For example, using trucks that use diesel fuel has high greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to air pollution. There are efficient ways to use trucks though as drones are typically transported in high bulk. Similarly, transportation through the sea which is mostly used for importation of goods relies on heavy oil as fuel to power the ships. Transportation by air can be very time efficient as it is the fastest, but is also the most energy-intensive option. The US uses a total of 27% of its energy consumption on transportation yearly (U.S. Energy Information Administration). The implementation of electric vehicles will calm the energy consumption down slightly. Society has not advanced to the point of serious consideration of implementing electric planes and ships to transport goods. So for now, the energy consumed to transport goods such as drones remains high and not as sustainable as some would hope for.

The usage of drones involves energy consumption for flight and navigation. The drone type and means of operation will determine its energy source. Electric drones that are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have gained popularity due to its low emission and quiet operation. These batteries store energy which is generated from a variety of energy sources like fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables. Gasoline and diesel-powered drones are less common but are still used for long flights or heavy lift operations. These drones rely on internal combustion engines fueled by gasoline, diesel, or aviation fuel. A transition to natural energy sources like solar or wind energy for operation is being implemented. This ensures a more environmentally clean and efficient approach to drone usage. With the use of these methods, drones can actually recharge their batteries while flying eliminating the time spent to land and recharge furthermore increasing the efficiency. Due to this innovation, drones have proven to be more efficient in transporting goods with an energy consumption of 94% less than other motor vehicles (Carroll). This number can vary depending on the weather conditions as wind will require the drone to use more power and take longer to arrive at its destination. Overall, the energy efficiency of drones depends on certain factors and will increasingly get more efficient as natural energy sources get more advanced and utilized.

Recycling of drone components looks good on paper as it plays a crucial role in the sustainability of drone technology, but costs a significant amount of energy as well. Recycling allows for the recovery and reuse of essential materials, for example metals, plastics, and electronic components reducing the need to extract the raw materials and also minimizing waste. These materials consist of different treatment methods resulting in the recycling process requiring approximately 1,055 joules for the procedures to be done (Hutchinson 2008). Separating elements from electronic waste requires steps that can be energy-intensive. The final result does save a significant amount of energy as it takes 96% less energy using recycled materials to make aluminum than extracting raw materials (Hutchinson 2008). Recycling lithium-ion batteries requires specialized recycling techniques to prevent environmental contamination which can prove to be difficult. It can be so difficult that in cases recycling these batteries uses more energy than not. In these instances, there is no positive decision as the environment suffers regardless. Transporting recycled goods also adds to energy consumption as previously discussed. Overall in some cases, recycling can be inefficient in saving energy, but for the most part, the energy saved far outweighs the spent proving it to help reduce energy consumption. It's calculated that the energy saving is 64% per year (Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection). Recycling is a key factor in the sustainability of drone technology promoting efficient resource utilization and minimizing overall energy consumption.

In conclusion, evaluating the energy consumption throughout the life cycle is important for achieving overall sustainability in drone technology. Therefore, regulating environmental consequences is being done by the usage of renewable energy sources and optimizing the recycling process. These energy-efficient applications will significantly lower energy consumption levels. Motor vehicles will inevitably consume large amounts of energy, but drones have proven to be one of the most efficient out of the batch. Drones will continue to pave the way for more energy efficiency and advancements in technology.

Bibliography

AT Precision Machining. "Drone Manufacturing." AT Precision Machining, AT Precision Machining, at-machining.com/drone-manufacturing/

Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering. "Carnegie Mellon Engineers Developing Autonomous Drones for Last-Mile Delivery." Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering News & Events, Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering, 16 Sept. 2022, engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/news/2022/09/16-last-mile-drones.html.

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. "As a Matter of Fact." Municipal Recycling Resource Center, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, portal.ct.gov/deep/reduce-reuse-recycle/municipal-recycling-resource-center/as-a-matter-of-fact#:~=Energy%20in%20General&text=Each%20ton%20of%20recycled%20paper,60%20pounds%20less%20air%20pollution

Davis, Emily. "End-of-Life Management Strategies for Drones." Environmental Science and Technology, vol. 28, no. 4, 2019, pp. 567-580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110474

ElectricityPlans.com. "Electricity for Manufacturing." ElectricityPlans.com, ElectricityPlans.com, electricityplans.com/landing/electricity-for-manufacturing/#:~=Manufacturing%20facilities%20use%2095.1%20kilowatt,year%2C%20according%20to%20the%20EIA

"Embodied Energy." ScienceDirect, Elsevier, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/embodied-energy

"Environmental Footprint of Drones." SpringerLink, Springer, link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-90-481-9707-1_89

Harris, Samuel. "Environmental Impacts of Drone Disposal Methods." Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 42, no. 3, 2020, pp. 321-335. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479719301914]

Jones, Michael. "Energy Consumption in Electronic Component Manufacturing." Energy Policy, vol. 37, no. 1, 2020, pp. 56-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111027

McKinsey & Company. "Climate risk and decarbonization: What every mining CEO needs to know." McKinsey & Company, McKinsey & Company, www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/climate-risk-and-decarbonization-what-every-mining-ceo-needs-to-know.

Miller, Laura. "Energy Use in Manufacturing Facilities: A Case Study." Journal of Energy Efficiency, vol. 10, no. 4, 2021, pp. 421-435. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12053-020-09794-9]

Smith, Andrew. "Environmental Impacts of Raw Material Extraction for Electronics." Resources, Conservation, and Recycling, vol. 25, no. 2, 2018, pp. 189-202. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344909002352]

Taylor, Peter. "Energy Efficiency of Electric vs. Gas-Powered Drones." Renewable Energy, vol. 30, no. 5, 2018, pp. 543-555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.05.022

Turner, David. "Transportation Energy Intensity: A Comparative Analysis." Energy Economics, vol. 40, no. 2, 2022, pp. 201-215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2022.105331

U.S. Energy Information Administration. "Use of Energy in Transportation." Energy Explained, U.S. Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/transportation.php.

Williams, Eric D., et al. "Life-Cycle Environmental Effects of Emerging Photovoltaic Technologies: The Case of Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Solar Cells." Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 47, no. 2, 2013, pp. 393-401. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es302420z

Wilson, Kate. "Energy Use in Transportation: Trends and Patterns." Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, vol. 22, no. 3, 2017, pp. 231-245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2015.08.009

Yakimenko, E. "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Drones: Environmental Aspects." SpringerLink, Springer, link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-90-481-9707-1_89

Maguelone Ribo

Professor Cogdell

Des 40

06 June 2024

WASTE: Lifecycle And Disposal Of Drones

Drone are little by little becoming very powerful tools that can sometimes aid in the conservation of the environment. They can monitor places where humans do not necessarily have easy access to. Certain drones are also able to aid in planting trees, clean up the oceans, detect air pollution, help in agriculture as well as detecting forest fires and monitoring wildlife. THis makes drones an extremely valuable element in the protection of the environment. However drones are said to help protect the environment in many ways which leads us to wonder if all the elements of drones can be disposed of in an eco-friendly manner. In order to analyze this question to its fullest extent it is important to analyze how each material is disposed of and created as well as the lifespan and disassemblage of the drone.

 Carbon fiber is one of the main materials used in the production of drones. This material is incredibly popular for its durability yet its production is wasteful and polluting. Carbon fiber composite is the type of material that is still being researched on how to be completely recycled. Regardless of this however it is still a very polluant material as it is manufactured from petroleum. When researching the renewability of carbon fiber the first fact that comes up is that 90 % of commercial carbon fiber is non renewable making it less renewable than plastic. Carbon fiber also uses 4 times more energy in its production in comparison to steel. Making it therefore have higher gas emissions. The research for the renewability of carbon fiber has however not stopped with the global recycled carbon market planning to grow up to 12% from 2021 to 2031. Another material similar to carbon fiber is kevlar composite which is often used to create the propellers of the drones. This material is certified as “eco friendly" as this material is said to be non toxic to aquatic life. However the manufacturing process of this material is toxic and these materials are nearly impossible to recycle due to cost. Klevar composite is thrown in landfills at the end of its life cycle and takes nearly 30 to decompose. Making carbon fiber considered to be the more eco-friendly option as it doesn't contain nitrogen atoms which is what causes the Klevar composite to take so long to decompose. Although it may be starting to seem like drones are filled with non sustainable materials some elements of drones are actually very eco friendly.

Many metals are used in the production of drones including stainless steel, titanium, grapheme , nickel, and copper. Each of these have their individual ways of being recycled and created each with more or less environmental impact. Stainless steel is created with iron and chromium  and is recycled by being melted into electric furnaces which helps saves resources and therefore reduce CO2 emissions. However this process still requires a great amount of energy. Titanium is produced through the Kroll process which is said to be incredibly damaging to the environment however its recycling process allows for a re melting which helps reduce the need for more extractions. Graphene is created through chemical Vapors which is incredibly harmful to the environment and uses a high amount of energy. This product is relatively new so does not have a lot of research on recycling methods and can typically cause a substantial amount of waste.  nickel is also known to cause soil and water pollution as it is typically mined through the recycling process scraps are put in smelters which interns allows for Less environmental damage as it is being reused. Copper is also produced through smoking and electrolysis which causes air and water pollution due to mining.  however once again it is able to go through a recycling process which decreases the demand of new production. Many of these metals have similar processes when it comes to recycling and production their production is typically very harmful for the environment but their ability to be recycled allows for Less environmental damage 

Aluminum alloys can be found in the motors of drones. Aluminum is a very sustainable material since you can recycle it as much as needed. Although the fabrication of aluminum can pollute the environment, the recycling process does not use as much energy and it is also not as time-consuming as it would be for other materials. This recycling can actually help the environment by saving energy since we are able to recycle rather than producing more. This recycling uses 95% less energy than the production of it. It also helps reduce the usage of crude oils as the production of aluminum is made with ore saving the equivalent of 24 barrels of crude oil. Magnesium Alloys are used to create the structural frame of drones. However magnesium alloy can have a negative impact on our environment due to its production and improper disposal. Aside from this, magnesium is incredibly abundant on the Earth's crust and is also highly recyclable making it one of the most eco-friendly metals in the world. Magnesium can be 100% recycled and dissolves naturally without leaving a trace. However during production magnesium and its alloys can create greenhouse gasses which contribute to climate change. As previously mentioned, sometimes magnesium is not disposed of properly which can lead to having it present in water causing water pollution which is why it is important to learn how to properly dispose of drones instead of throwing them in landfill at the end of their lifecycle. As shocking as it may be, carbon fiber is far from the worst material being used in drones.

Fiberglass composites are used in drones for the landing gear as well as the propellers. This is probably one of the worst materials present in drones as it is non-biodegradable, causes aquatic pollution, and air emissions. This material is non-biodegradable as the fibers are coated in petrochemical resins making fiberglass waste remain in landfills for hundreds of years. When fiberglass ends up in bodies of water microplastics are released and can harm aquatic life. Lastly, its fabrication process produces  air emissions as well as some of the solvents used to clean up the tools and molds that are used to create the fiberglass. The batteries used to power the drones are also not good for the environment as its production  causes extreme pollution and its disposal is also unfortunate. To produce lithium ion batteries there needs to be mining to extract cobalt. This mining can produce hazardous products like sulfur which is toxic for the water in the air.  When disposing of these batteries they are thrown away in landfills and the toxic metals that they contain contaminate the soil and the water in the air. This is especially bad for ecosystems as animals can be affected by this pollution. These batteries can also cause fires due to gasses and vapors that they release in the landfills. This can be extremely dangerous not only for surrounding wildlife and the overall health of our planet but also for humans inhaling the fumes in surrounding areas. This waste has become such an issue that even the United Nations has called a major environmental and human health issue with these batteries. Although it may seem like the production of devices like this is not as good for the environment as one would think, there are ways to stop or at least limit the impact of all the pollution caused by these materials.

In order to limit the environmental impacts during the disposal of drones at the end of their life cycle it is important to follow certain guidelines. It’s typically smart to consider disassembling the drone in 3 distinct categories; frame, motors, batteries, electronics, and sensors. This will allow them to recycle more efficiently and dispose of the individual materials based on their personal renewability. Many components can easily be recycled however for more complex material such as metals like aluminum or magnesium it is important to dispose of the  at specialized facilities who will know how to properly melt the metals to reuse them in other projects. If needed many drone companies will also offer to take in your old drone to dispose of it properly. These companies will often use certain e-waste recycling procedures to try and reuse valuable materials in the drones like copper silver or even gold from the circuit boards. They also take care of the lithium-ion batteries which need to be disposed of and handled properly in order for them not to cause too much environmental harm. To do this companies will send the drones to e-waste recycling facilities for a more safe processing which will prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the environment. These hazardous chemicals like lead or cadmium are in certain drone parts showcasing the importance of not just throwing your old drone in a landfill.

As much as drones can help with research as well as  protecting the environment, we can see that a lot of the materials used are actually extremely wasteful and cannot be recycled, contributing to the pollution of our Earth and the destruction of our ecosystems. Thankfully there are resources available which allow us to dispose of the drones in the safest and best way for the environment, whether that means bringing your old drone to the company where you bought it for them to dispose of it safely or bringing the drone to e-waste facilities. However, even with these precautions drones will continue to pollute till we find new materials that are 100% recyclable over and over. With the continuum of research and growing technologies drones could truly become a powerful research tool for the protection of the environment which is why research on making it a fully eco friendly technology is so important.

Bibliography:

Amazonaws, s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.fibreglast.com/downloads/PDCT-SDS-00305.pdf. Accessed 6 June 2024. 

“Anatomy of a Drone Infographic.” DroneFly.Com, www.dronefly.com/the-anatomy-of-a-drone. Accessed 5 June 2024. 

Corless, Jenny. “Is Carbon Fiber Recyclable?” Fairmat, 6 Mar. 2024, www.fairmat.tech/blog/is-carbon-fiber-recyclable/. 

“How Dupont Personal Protection Products Support Sustainability.” Dupont, www.dupont.com/personal-protection/dpp-sustainability/dpp-support-sustainability.html#:~:text=polyethylene%20(HPPE).-,OEKO%2DTEX%C2%AE%20certified,in%20a%20socially%20responsible%20manner. Accessed 5 June 2024. 

Magnesium Sustainability - International Magnesium Association, www.intlmag.org/page/mg_sustain_ima. Accessed 6 June 2024. 

“Magnesium: Eco-Friendly and Recyclable.” Allite Inc, 18 Sept. 2018, alliteinc.com/magnesium/. 

Portsmouth, University of. “Nature’s Strongest Known Material Inspires Green Alternative to Kevlar.” New Atlas, 8 July 2022, newatlas.com/materials/natures-strongest-limpet-material-green-kevlar/. 

Shahzad, Moazzam. “How Magnesium and Magnesium Oxide Can Impact the Environment.” Medium, Medium, 16 Nov. 2023, medium.com/@moapolychemystic/how-magnesium-and-magnesium-oxide-can-impact-the-environment-7113d7958595#:~:text=Understanding%20the%20environmental%20impact%20of,their%20impact%20on%20our%20environment. 

“Four Ways Drones Are Reducing Our Carbon Footprint: Drone Nerds Enterprise.” Drone Nerds Enterprise | Enterprise & Commercial Drone Solutions, 19 Jan. 2023, enterprise.dronenerds.com/blog/drone-knowledge/four-ways-drones-are-reducing-our-carbon-footprint/. 

Murison, Malek. “How Drones Are Saving the Planet.” Insights Home, enterprise-insights.dji.com/blog/drones-sustainable-future-earth. Accessed 4 May 2024.