Concrete

New concrete recipe developed by Auburn

Published

13 years ago

August 31, 2012

admin

Researchers at Auburn University and the University of Alabama have teamed up to devise a new recipe for a concrete, one that has the potential to reuse a form of toxic waste, cut greenhouse gas production and introduce new technology to the world’s most common building material. Jialai Wang at Alabama and Xinyu Zhang at Auburn are perfecting a process that takes a power plant by-product – coal ash – and uses it in place of cement in their recipe for concrete. Their recipe also includes a futuristic ingredient, carbon nanotubes, and a new technique for making them. The nanotubes, which add strength, durability and conducting properties to the concrete, are produced by cooking an iron compound for 10 seconds in a microwave. The researchers have dubbed the result ‘Poptubes’. "It is very much like you cook the popcorn," Wang said.Wang, Zhang and fellow collaborators have received a $450,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to further the development of the concrete alternative. Their method of producing nanotubes also has drawn attention in scientific journals such as Nature. Current methods of producing nanotubes involve high temperatures and special sealed chambers filled with inert gas.Adding carbon nanotubes to coal ash concrete not only strengthens the material, it allows the material to conduct electricity. Electric conductivity could be used to enhance melting of ice on bridges or airport runways. It also could be used to monitor the integrity of the structure, since damage would cause a disruption in conductivity. A start-up company based on the technology, Carbon Nanotube Engineered Surfaces LLC, has been formed and is hoping to win funding through the Alabama Launchpad contest, a competition for start-ups seeking seed money.

Concrete

thyssenkrupp Polysius, SaltX partner for electrified production

Published

11 hours ago

March 12, 2025

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thyssenkrupp Polysius and Swedish startup SaltX have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to co-develop the next generation of electrified production facilities, advancing industrial decarbonisation. Their collaboration will integrate SaltX’s patented Electric Arc Calciner (EAC) technology into thyssenkrupp Polysius’ green system solutions, enabling electric calcination, replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, and capturing CO2 for emission-free production. Dr Luc Rudowski, Head of Innovation, thyssenkrupp Polysius, emphasised that this partnership expands their portfolio of sustainable solutions, particularly in cement, lime, and Direct-Air-Capture (DAC). Lina Jorheden, CEO, SaltX, highlighted the significant CO2 reduction potential, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable industrial processes.

Concrete

Terra CO2 secures $82m to scale low-carbon cement technology

Published

11 hours ago

March 12, 2025

admin

Terra CO2, a US-based sustainable building materials company, has raised $82 million in Series B funding, co-led by Just Climate, Eagle Materials and GenZero, with continued support from Breakthrough Energy Ventures. The investment will accelerate the commercial deployment of Terra’s OPUS technology, enabling the construction of multiple production facilities across North America and Europe. With the cement industry responsible for 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions, Terra’s solution provides an immediate, scalable alternative using abundant raw materials that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure. The company has secured key partnerships, including a deal with Eagle Materials for multiple 240,000-tonne plants.

Concrete

Titan Cement Group enters South Asia

Published

11 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Roshna

Titan Cement Group has expanded into the South Asian market through a joint venture with JAYCEE, an India-based producer of supplementary cementitious materials. Titan will hold a majority stake in the newly formed company, Atlas EcoSolutions, which will focus on sourcing, processing, marketing, and distributing SCMs globally. This initiative aims to support sustainable construction by promoting alternatives to clinker-based cement. Jean-Philippe Benard, Head of Supply Chain and Energy Development, emphasised that the venture aligns with Titan’s strategy to lead in low-carbon building materials while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The move strengthens Titan’s position in a high-growth market while ensuring long-term access to SCMs.