Quick curing concrete production using sustainable materials and net-zero water
This precast concrete method creates a more durable building material that cures faster and uses less water compared to traditional processes.
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Overview:
Researchers at the University of Louisville have developed a novel process to sustainably manufacture construction materials by decreasing the overall water requirements during cement production. Unlike conventional Portland cement mix, this precast method does not require extended curing regimens or copious amounts of water, creating a geo-polymerized concrete with increased mechanical properties. This method requires less energy and results in reduced curing time and greenhouse emissions from embodied carbon. This process incorporates carbon nanotubes and inorganic binders, that when exposed to microwaves, makes a more durable building material with enhanced compressive strength compared to traditional processes to make cement. The proprietary process also utilizes industrial byproducts from waste streams such as fly ash. This new technique could be used for the construction of buildings in urban, rural, and areas susceptible to drought.
Highlights:
- Considerably less water consumption during the curing period when compared to mixing and curing methods used to make commercial cement.
- Uses dual process of microwave radiation curing at low-power use and a water recovery process for building materials.
- Unique process creates a formidable concrete that has been tested to be three times stronger and cures more than two times faster than traditional methods.
Benefits:
Applicable to environments where water access is limited. Water used in cement construction can be collected and reused on-site. Creates a sustainable method for producing cement material by enabling water capture and reducing overall CO2 emissions during precast construction demolding, while adhering to structural load-bearing design parameters. Deployable in regions prone to drought to address challenges in global weather patterns.
Applications:
Building and construction industries for improved methods and building materials suited for homes, workplaces, storage, and more.
IP Status:
Patent pending
Inventors:
- Young Hoon Kim
- Janell Prater