Carbonation and Graphene Oxide: A Solution for Reducing CO₂ Emissions In previous articles, we discussed the cement industry's impact on CO₂ emissions and the commitments made to reduce them by 2050. Today, we explore how carbonation—a process generally seen as a concrete pathology—could help offset some CO₂ emissions from cement production. What is Carbonation? In concrete, carbonation is a natural process where CO₂ from the environment reacts with moisture in the concrete, converting the alkaline calcium hydroxide in cement paste to calcium carbonate with a more neutral pH. This reaction lowers the concrete's pH from around 12–13 to approximately 9, exposing steel reinforcements to corrosion. What Affects Carbonation? Carbonation rate depends on the diffusion of CO₂ and its reactivity with the cement matrix, which is in turn influenced by the matrix's microstructure, hydration products (calcium hydroxide, calcium silicate hydrate, alkaline oxides, etc.), and pore structure (distribution, size, and saturation). Therefore, carbonation proceeds more slowly in low-permeability or dry concretes than...

Intumescent coatings are paints that protect concrete and steel structures during fires by expanding and forming a foam that isolates the fire. These coatings release non-combustible gases, reducing oxygen levels and limiting fire spread. With the incorporation of graphene oxide, these coatings are expected to enhance fire protection for buildings.

The cement industry, one of the primary sources of CO2 emissions, is adopting new technologies to reduce its environmental impact. Graphene, a nanomaterial with superior properties, has emerged as a promising solution, capable of reducing emissions by up to 30% in construction, while simultaneously enhancing concrete strength and lowering production and maintenance costs in the quest for a more sustainable future.

Non-stick coatings prevent the adhesion of substances to surfaces, based on their low surface energy, which allows them to provide high water repellency (hydrophobic behavior). In the following article you will learn how graphene materials improve non-stick effects, as well as other properties such as resistance to abrasion and UV radiation.

Advancing Asphalt Durability: Harnessing Graphene's Potential for Sustainable Roads Most of the the world's road infrastructure is composed of pavement made from a complex system of asphalt, aggregates, and binders that interact at an interface to maintain its strength and structural stability. According to the Asphalt Institute, 87 million tons of asphalt are produced worldwide annually, with around 85% used in the paving industry, which, while offering great load capacity and durability, inevitably suffers damage from constant exposure to radiation, temperature, humidity, and traffic. The deterioration of asphalt not only impacts a basic transportation infrastructure crucial for socio-economic development but also involves environmental impacts in terms of resource depletion and high CO2 emissions caused by roadworks. These factors add to the reasons for the constant search for modification technologies that increase durability and improve mechanical properties of pavements using fibers, rubber; additives such as thermoplastic elastomers, plastic and synthetic resins, iron powder, hydrated lime, or glass waste. However, in some...

Graphene nanoparticles offer a promising solution for improving fiber composites by enhancing fiber-resin interaction. This novel approach addresses challenges such as interlaminar delamination more efficiently compared to traditional methods.

We will explore the impact of graphene oxide in the production of coatings with exceptional properties. From anti-corrosion barriers to fire resistance, graphene oxide redefines industrial protection.

Discover how graphene oxide-enhanced polypropylene fibers increase the mechanical, degradation and thermal stability of your concrete.