Dynamic Duo Discard Concrete with New Sustainable Development

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Nima Rahbar and Suzanne Scarlata of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) over $690,000 to advance and create a cost effective, concrete substitute that removes CO2 from the atmosphere.

The amount of cement produced globally has more than doubled in the last 25 years, achieving the rank of second most extensively used material on the planet after water.

What makes Enzymatic construction material special is that the manufacturing process encompasses an enzyme that is present in all living cells. This has the capacity to react with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and quickly remove it, a reaction which is the primary component of ECM. Additionally, a polymer and sand slurry are added, binding the ECM from an early point.

The “living” element of the enzyme means ECM is able to “heal itself”, repairing any future fractures or flaws that appear while maintaining its strength. This is process is able to repeat up to six times.

Another benefit to this material is that it can be created much more rapidly than other options like concrete, which takes 4 weeks to fully set. It also saves energy by avoiding the need to use high temperatures in its production, unlike brick.

Scarlata and Rahbar are also exploring the potential of this substance in repairing broken glass, a direction which, if successful, “would save a lot of time, energy, and waste.”

The financial backing will go beyond research and development, also being used to teach and motivate underrepresented and disadvantaged females. The aim here is to push them into careers in engineering and building to bridge the gap in tis sector, considering only 9% of workers in the construction industry are women in the UK.

“Construction has traditionally been a man’s field and has been overlooked by young women as a potential career, but women have a lot to contribute, in all areas, including construction,” said Scarlata.

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