Graphene and concrete : Materials of the future
Graphene is at once strong and light, thus it can be a great reinforcement material for the construction industry.
The construction industry is growing due to the increase in population and rapid urbanization. However, it also faces significant hurdles in reducing its carbon footprint, especially the footprint linked to cement-based products. When making cement, which is used to bind traditional concrete and mortar, limestone and other materials are heated to around 1,480 degrees Celsius. This process results in the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
By integrating graphene into concrete, engineers and architects can create structures that require less material, while still achieving the same structural performance as traditional concrete. Graphene-enhanced concrete is 2.5 times stronger and 4 times less water permeable than standard concrete. It uses much less cement to deliver the desired strength. As a result, it is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 30%.