Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a method to convert carbon fibre-epoxy composite waste from aircraft and other high-performance structures into multifunctional aerogels. The university announced the development on August 19.
Unlike conventional recycling approaches focused primarily on recovering carbon fibres, the process makes use of both the fibre and epoxy fractions. Composite waste is mechanically converted into fine powder and short fibre fragments, combined with a cellulose-based binder and freeze-dried to create a lightweight porous structure.
Laboratory tests showed low thermal conductivity and effective sound absorption. After a water-repellent treatment, the aerogels were also able to absorb large amounts of oil, suggesting potential applications in oil spill clean-up and oil-water separation.
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19 August 2026
