‘Smart Concrete’ With Nanomaterials for Better Durability

Graphene, the wonder material discovered at the University of Manchester by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov has been shown to strengthen cementitious materials including concrete at the molecular level. Graphene-reinforced

BY Realty Plus
Published - Saturday, 26 Jun, 2021

‘Smart Concrete’ With Nanomaterials for Better Durability

Graphene, the wonder material discovered at the University of Manchester by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov has been shown to strengthen cementitious materials including concrete at the molecular level. Graphene-reinforced concrete has greater compressive strength and water resistance (due to the low permeability of graphene). Scientists at Rice University recently demonstrated a process to convert waste from old rubber tyres into graphene which can, in turn, be used to strengthen concrete. Meanwhile, a joint venture between graphene specialists at the University of Manchester and alumni-led construction firm Nationwide Engineering has developed a product that could revolutionise the concrete industry and its impact on the environment. In a similar vein, researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a new method of producing concrete without cement. Their technique offers a means for the construction industry to reduce its carbon emissions, as well as offering potential for building on the Moon and Mars. A five-year University of British Columbia study has concluded that recycled concrete can perform as well as – and in some cases better than – conventional concrete. Another alternative mix proposed by researchers for making concrete is to swap out the commonly used sand for a clay material that can easily be obtained as a waste from excavation works, resulting in a greener form of concrete.