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KIST develops a recycling technology of carbon fiber

Posted August. 24, 2016 07:29,   

Updated August. 24, 2016 07:36

한국어

Korean scientists have developed a technology that could change the exterior of automobiles and planes into expensive carbon fiber materials.

Senior researcher Koh Moon-joo and his team at the Carbon Convergence Materials Research Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) successfully developed a technology that can reuse Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) as carbon fiber materials. Though light and strong CFRP compounds have been used in many areas, including the avian and space industry and high performance cars, but were not recyclable due to the absence of technology.

The scientists successfully produced carbon fiber by adding water and a cheap additive to the CFRP and processing it with 10 atmospheric pressure and 100 degrees Celsius. They could produce one kilogram of CFRP at 1,500 won (1.36 U.S. dollar) at a facility with an annual capacity of one ton.

“The technology enables used CFRP materials to recycle more than 95 percent,” Koh said. “We developed a recycling technology that is both economical and environmentally-friendly. It can be commercialized immediately.”

The scientists will have a session for companies for technology transfer at the Jeonbuk branch of KIST on Wednesday.



권예슬동아사이언스기자 yskwon@donga.com