Concrete has been described asthe most destructive material on Earth.
Cement makers urgently need to reduce this footprint.
At the same time, the sector faces growing demand from rapid urbanization and population growth.
Its foreboding problem.But engineers believe that graphene offers a solution.
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Concretene consists of graphene thats produced at Manchester University.
Small quantities of the liquid formulation are addedduring the concrete mixing process.
According to McDermott,Concretene used in real construction projects was up to 30-50% stronger than standard concrete.
Costs, shrinking, and cracking can also be trimmed, whileincreases in density cut concretes porosity.
Ultimately, he believes Concretenecould be used in more than 99% of concretes worldwide.
Initial tests of Concretene have produced promising results.
In 2021, NERD laid the worlds first graphene concrete slab across the floor ofa new gymin England.
Further trials followed ata roller discoand aresidential development.
In total, more than 1,000 tonnes of Concretene have now been poured in real-world projects.
The next target is pushing the product into the mainstream.
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These developments have restored faith from investors.
In December, Concretene raised 8m from a VCfundinground led by LocalGlobe.
The cash will be used to accelerate the commercialization plans.
This is a key step to achieving industry adoption.
That could be good news for both the construction sector and the environment.
Because despitethe claims of British shock jocks, you cant actually grow concrete but youcangrow graphene.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
