Graphene

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If you follow our blog, you know we love green materials that make construction more sustainable. That’s why we’re excited to see graphene now entering foreign markets. We can’t wait to see how this incredible component will be used to make our buildings more sustainable, in 2023 and beyond.

What is it?

Graphene is a “one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.” Andréy Gueim and Konstantín Novosiólov won the Nobel Prize in Physics for its creation in 2010. It might sound familiar because it is the base of graphite (used in pencil lead), but its many properties are being explored as a new wonder material across a wide variety of industries. Possible applications include computer chips, batteries, transistors, water filters, touch screens, and even DNA sequencing. 

How is it being used in construction?

Although graphene is still in the research stage in the US, the results have been promising for its many uses throughout the construction industry. It’s the world’s thinnest material, yet it’s incredibly durable. It has antibacterial properties, a low freezing point, is twice as strong as steel, has light absorbing qualities, and is highly conductive. 

These features make it perfect for creating graphene-infused composites, which would be a green alternative for concrete, one of the least sustainable yet most commonly used building materials.

Some of these specific properties would make graphene an excellent choice for specific types of buildings. Its antibacterial qualities are making waves in the hospital industry, its conductive qualities are sparking the interest of smart city engineers, and its unique mix of flexibility and durability makes it well-suited for buildings that experience extreme winds and temperatures. 

Graphene also has potential applications in tunnel construction, dykes, bridges, harbors, industrial plants, and sea construction, where exposure to the elements and/or chemicals regularly breaks down concrete. 

How will it be used?

Instead of sheets or blocks, the easiest and most effective way to use graphene currently is as a liquid-based additive. This additive is combined with current cement or concrete mixtures, acting as a filter that absorbs chemicals, refines the pore structure of the concrete, and makes it more durable. 

When will we see it on the market? 

While additives are available in some countries, researchers are still testing and developing it for the U.S. While we may have to wait a little longer, current research is very promising and exciting. Soon graphene may be used in self-healing, self-cleaning, self-adjusting, self-shaping, self-curing, and self-sensing building materials. We are looking forward to its arrival, and the many ways it will make the industry more sustainable!

Concrete Made from Algae

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When most people think of algae, they think of cleaning out fish tanks or the floating stuff on ponds. The scientists at Prometheus Materials aren’t most people, though, and they have found a different use for algae: as the key component of their newly developed, zero-carbon cement mixture. 

Hard Impact

Cement is one of the most widely used building materials in the world, but comes with a large carbon footprint that contributes to environmental disasters. The chemical reaction that creates cement releases carbon into the atmosphere, accounting for about 8% of carbon emissions worldwide. It’s also responsible for using 10% of the world’s industrial water, and using large quantities of an ever-dwindling sand supply. 

Concrete Reinvented

Fortunately, Prometheus’s new algae mixture may solve this growing sustainability issue. The mixture, first developed at the University of Colorado Boulder, looked at the natural world for inspiration. Similar to the base material that allows oysters to build their shells and corals to grow their reefs, the process combines microalgae (a microscopic form of algae) with water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide. Instead of the chemical reactions that release carbon into the atmosphere, the algae is dehydrated, causing it to bind without any release of carbon. The product is currently listed as carbon-neutral, but lead scientists believe that with fine-tuning it could be made carbon-negative.

Funding for the creation of the sustainable concrete first came from a grant from the Department of Defense, but other groups quickly took notice of the product. While it has been championed by Prometheus, other investors include Sofinnova Partners, Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Amazon, who are working to build their newest Headquarters with low-carbon concrete.

Sustainable Structures

While exact cost is not yet available, in their most recent press release Prometheus described their new cement as “an affordable, strong and durable zero-carbon alternative.” 

Some pilot projects are already underway, and they plan to extend their decarbonized alternatives over the next two years to include precast biocomposite elements (ie, roofing tiles, wall panels, sound barriers, and more) and a ready-mix biocomposite. It is their hope that this new ‘bio-cement’ will transform the construction industry, and will lead the way in making sustainable products that can mirror and even exceed the capabilities of available, high carbon products. 

At Steadfast Enterprises, LLC, we are passionate about both sustainability and quality, and we are excited to see new innovations like the Prometheus bio-cement appearing throughout the construction industry. We will always be dedicated to providing our clients with modern, efficient, and sustainable solutions to their construction needs. Contact us today to get started on your next project.