Scientists use carbon fiber waste to improve the durability of permeable concrete

According to foreign media new atlas, although the production of carbon fiber products is likely to grow steadily, recycled materials are still challenging. Now thanks to an ongoing study at Washington State University, carbon fiber waste could soon be used in new and improved permeable concrete.

First of all, what is permeable concrete? It is a kind of porous concrete, through which rainwater runoff can flow directly into the soil below. It not only helps prevent flooding, but also reduces water pollution - using traditional impervious concrete, driving along the length of the road, accumulating more and more pollutants along the way, and then entering the local waterways. Unfortunately, permeable concrete is not as durable as ordinary concrete due to its good water permeability. That's why the researchers decided to add carbon fiber waste.

Led by Karl Englund and somayeh NASSIRI, a Washington State team used cheap mechanical grinding technology to grind Boeing supplied carbon fiber waste. When the ground carbon fiber is added to the existing permeable concrete mixture of the team, the durability and strength of the material are greatly improved.

"In terms of flexural strength, we have achieved very good results - as high as traditional concrete, and it drains very quickly," NASSIRI said In addition, since the carbon fiber remains in its cured composite form, it does not need heat or toxic chemicals to treat it.