Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Industry-University Cooperation (Director Jo Ki-hwan) and Katek H Co., Ltd. (CEO Jeong Jin-ho) announced on the 22nd that they have signed a technology transfer agreement for an eco-friendly carbon recycling technology.

The technology transferred to the company is 'Recovery and Recycling of Carbon Fibers from Polyolefin/Carbon Fiber Composites.' It is an innovative technology developed by the research team of Professors Lee Dae-su, Lee Yeon-sik, and Lee Su-hyung of JBNU's Department of Chemical Engineering that enables recycling of thermoset and thermoplastic carbon composite materials.

Katek H Co., Ltd. is a company possessing outstanding technology in the field of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) recycling, having been selected as one of the nation’s top 200 technologies. The company is a global leader in carbon recycling based on chemical-based technologies that can replace existing thermally based recycling methods (thermal incineration), and is recognized in markets including the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Jeong Jin-ho, CEO of Katek H Co., Ltd., said, "Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) weighs only one quarter of steel but is an ultra-high-strength fiber with strength more than ten times that of steel, and is widely used in hydrogen fuel storage, wind power generation, and the aviation industry. However, it has been difficult to recycle, and until now thermal incineration or landfill have caused environmental pollution issues. Through this technology transfer, we have become a company possessing the world’s only recycling technology for thermoset/thermoplastic carbon composite materials, and we can accelerate production of eco-friendly, high-quality products."

Katek H Co., Ltd. currently supplies recycled carbon fiber and related carbon fiber composite materials domestically and internationally from its first plant in Hwaseong, which processes about 1,000 tons per year (producing approximately 800 tons of recycled carbon fiber). In addition, it is expected to make a significant contribution to the regional industry by completing in early 2023 a production plant in Jangsu County, Jeollabuk-do, with an annual processing capacity of 4,000 tons (producing approximately 3,200 tons of recycled carbon fiber).

Jo Ki-hwan Director of Industry-University Cooperation said, "This technology transfer agreement is an exemplary case of technology transfer that combines the university’s superior technology to strengthen the global market competitiveness of a leading company in the carbon recycling field. As a leading industry–university collaboration model that can simultaneously enhance corporate competitiveness and revitalize the region’s strategic carbon industry, we expect that continued cooperation will achieve mutual growth for the company and the university."