Paving the Way to Greener Concrete: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Brief

Discover groundbreaking technologies transforming concrete production to reduce CO2 emissions and create eco-friendly alternatives. Learn how biomass ash, ancient techniques, and room-temperature processes are paving the way for a sustainable construction industry.

Insight

Concrete, a reliable and inexpensive material, is ubiquitous in construction but contributes to 8% of global CO2 emissions. In response, sustainable alternatives are emerging.

One such alternative uses biomass ashes, a byproduct of biowaste treatment plants, as binders for eco-friendly concrete. Researchers from the Politecnico di Torino discovered that woodchip and straw-derived biomass ash could create sustainable concrete. Similarly, the University of Zagreb found that wood biomass ash has little impact on concrete consistency when used in amounts up to 10%.

Betolar, a Finnish company, has developed a CO2-free concrete formula using inorganic materials, including biomass and coal combustion fly ash. The company’s secret blend also incorporates byproducts from industries like metal, mining, and energy. This approach is reminiscent of ancient Roman construction techniques, which used volcanic and fly ash mixed with lime to create mortar for monuments like the Colosseum.

Mainz University scientists have devised an alternative method for binding concrete at room temperature, thus saving energy. Instead of heating limestone (calcium carbonate) to 1450°C, they grind it with sodium silicate. The result is an intermediate product that can be mixed with caustic soda to form a binding agent with stones, sand, and water. This process uses only 10% of the energy required to heat a cement kiln.

As new building concepts continue to develop, European researchers remain dedicated to finding greener ways to produce concrete.

Highlight

1. Concrete contributes to 8% of global CO2 emissions, prompting a search for sustainable alternatives.
2. Researchers from Politecnico di Torino found that woodchip and straw-derived biomass ash could create eco-friendly concrete.
3. University of Zagreb found that wood biomass ash has little impact on concrete consistency when used in amounts up to 10%.
4. Finnish company Betolar developed a CO2-free concrete formula using inorganic materials, including biomass and coal combustion fly ash.

Related Questions:

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• What is biomass ash?