An introduction to superconcrete: greener, stronger, more durable
Developed by researchers at Exeter University, this new superconcrete composite is twice as resistant and 4 times more waterproof than conventional concretes.
Nanoengineering-based technology developed by Exeter University researchers resulted into a new composite material, which is twice as strong and 4 times more water resistant than any conventional concrete.
This new concrete has been created using suspended graphene flakes in water, then aggregating traditional concrete ingredients.
A revolutionary methodology since it can reduce material requirements down to about 50% when considerieng the normal production process of standard concrete mixtures.
The benefits for the environment are tremendous. In fact, researchers and Exeter Uni, like to emphasize the fact that if this new concrete composite could be implemented worldwide, it would lead to a net decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, definitely one of the major environment pollutants.
Monica Craciun, engineering professor, says that this innovation “…is an absolute game-changer” for the architecture and building construction industries.
Dimitar Dimov, another team member at Exeter University, says “…finding greener ways to build is a crucial step forward in reducing carbon emissions around the world and so help protect our environment as much as possible. It is the first, but crucial step in the right direction to make a more sustainable construction industry for the future.”
Graphene
Graphene is one of the strongest materials known today.
Consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms, it has a range of impressive properties. It is, for example, transparent and has an extremely high heat and electrical conductivity.
Since graphene was isolated at the Manchester University in 2004, scientists developed a wide range of uses for this material, including its usage for hair dying, water filters and contact lenses for night-time vision.
