CFRP: ultra-lightweight, extremely strong – and now recyclable

Carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) are increasingly being used in infrastructure construction to reinforce structures. The most recent example of the technology developed at Empa is the multi-awardwinning 2025 Oder Bridge near Küstrin, which is supported by a network arch with 88 carbon hangers. These prestressed carbon cables were designed and manufactured by the (first) Empa spin-off “Carbo-Link”; similar cables were also used on the Alinghi yacht during its “America’s Cup” victories. But what happens if the buildings have to be dismantled in the distant future? As part of Empa’s “Design4reuse” initiative, researchers are developing technologies to give the valuable carbon fibres a second life.