Researchers at the University of Kansas and the University of Southern California have developed a biotechnological process to break down and remove the matrix from carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), allowing the recovered carbon fiber plies to exhibit mechanical properties similar to those of virgin materials. The process involves a genetically modified fungus that can convert benzoic acid, a major matrix breakdown product, into a valuable chemical compound called OTA (2Z,4Z,6E)-octa-2,4,6-trienoic acid). This breakthrough could lead to the production of valuable chemicals with potential medical applications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. The researchers plan to further improve the efficiency and scalability of the process, with the goal of applying it at the industrial scale. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the recycling of CFRP, which is currently considered a waste material.
A ground-breaking study suggests that feasting fungi could revolutionize carbon fiber recycling.
