Scientists have found a way to create concrete that is stronger, more water-resistant and eco-friendly than the traditional material, reports New Atlas writer Ben Coxworth. Graphene, which Coxworth says is the "wonder material" composed of a one-atom-thick sheet of linked carbon atoms, is the world's strongest manmade material. A team of researchers at Britain's University of Exeter created a technique where flakes of graphene are suspended in water, and then the water is mixed with concrete.
When tested, the graphene-enhanced concrete was found to have a 146-percent increase in compressive strength as compared to regular concrete, a 79.5-percent increase in flexural strength, and a decrease in water permeability of almost 400 percent. The material meets British and European standards for construction. The increased strength and water resistance should allow structures made with the concrete to last much longer than would otherwise be possible. This means that they wouldn't have to be replaced as often, which in turn means that less concrete would have to be poured – and production of the cement used in concrete is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions.
Additionally, the inclusion of graphene in the concrete reportedly allows for a reduction of about 50 percent of other materials used, including cement. The scientists state that this factor should result in a 446 kg/tonne reduction in emitted CO2.
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