Graphene in concrete is already changing the rules of the game in construction

Engineers have long dreamed of creating a wonderful material that can revolutionize construction. In 2004, their dream came true. British scientists first created Graphene—one of the forms of nanocarbon that is only 0.3 nanometers thick—a million times thinner than a human hair, but it can withstand colossal loads! Many immediately predicted a great future for it, and a little later, scientists were given the Nobel Prize. However, mass adoption did not happen. And only now, after 15 years, the first real opportunities have appeared to use the material of the future in commercial projects. Super-substance is made from ordinary graphite, which consists only of carbon. Nevertheless, due to its special crystal lattice in the form of hexagons, graphene gains many unusual properties. For instance, it can be both a conductor and a semiconductor, which makes it sought after when creating chips with higher characteristics. But the substance gained great popularity in another area - construction. Scientists have found that graphene is 200 times stronger than steel!

#inventions #technology #construction

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[sputnik]

Every single topic covered neglected to show how the graphene worked structurally or functionally. I don't think whoever wrote this understood it. It was like a sales brochure dumbed down to the lowest level. I'll have to go elsewhere for any real understanding, but the topic itself sounds facsinating.

[prayerpatroller]

Will Graphene become the new Asbestos? If the particles are that small, how can you keep it out of workers lungs? It would go right through any mask. Also, won't there be Graphene particles expressed into the air over time as wear and tear works on the concrete? And how would that affect our health?

[ULlisting]

Some of the biggest problems with concrete are spalling and water infiltration due to thermal cycles. Over time, this leads to rusting rebars and severe risk of structural failure. If graphene can help solve these problems then the product will have a great future, especially in outdoor structures like roads and viaducts.

[gregparrott]

Very nice posting about Graphene's increased use in industry.
One KEY item missing was any mention of the COST associated with making graphene in the volumes required for use in bulk construction materials, like concrete and asphalt.

[guitarsolutionsSFG]

Graphene already has improved auto detailing in the form of auto paint wax. It’s a better protective coating and it takes less effort to apply and buff out, big win!

[shavian]

Errors and omissions! The resurfacing of the AI in the COUNTY of Northumberland did NOT involve Gipave (which had been trialled previously in Kent). The Graphene used in the A1 was provided by leading U.K. producer Versarien plc. Versarien’s Graphene was also the stuff used in the pouring of the gym floor in the TOWN of Amesbury and the firm is partnered with the 3D printing firm in the Printfrastructure process. Otherwise an excellent video, many thanks!

[garrygballard]

Been looking for this for sometime now. Construction industry has badly needed improvements for many years now.

[golo]

Limitation for graphene was it's high flammability. The problem with high flammability got solved in 2017 by University of Arkansas researchers that discovered a simple and scalable method for turning graphene oxide into a non-flammable and paper-like graphene membrane that can be used in large-scale production. Maybe, another Nobel prize is in the making.

[jonholwerda]

It appears based on the information I just listened to that a new method for concrete uses and road building aspects that this product will be a big - very big game changer

[carbondragon]

Some of this could happen, but it sounds pretty speculative at this point. In the 80s we were told that fine ceramics would be used to make all auto engines because they wouldn't need a cooling system. And that bubble memory would revolutionize computer memory. Neither of those happened, perhaps due to technical problems or simply cost. I'd rather see an application that is actually working. If that road surface layering with graphene actually works and is financially feasible, great. Since reinforced concrete can crack if not maintained and/or cause failure in fires, finding something better would be great ... if it works and if it is affordable.

[LAC]

Brilliant approach for the introduction of a new material compound. Looking forward to the future of graphene.

[mrfarmer]

Graphene would be a alternative to Ferro Cement in the boat building industry.
The claims of waterproofing and flexibility make the graphene ship or yacht an interesting possibility.

[donbrunodelamancha]

Graphene Reinforced Concrete certainly is a novel idea. On the surface, it seems as though it would extent the life of a road for quite some time.
However, upon further analysis, given the nature of Graphene Oxide Nanosheets, because they remain 2-dimentional the only strength that added is that of damage from the from the compression of the vehicles traveling on the Graphene Reinforces Concreate. It is also believed to add a measure of water resistance, the is the worst enemy of all roads. Graphene Oxide Nanosheet Infused roads would also be measurably lighter, therefore making bridges, overpasses, on ramps, and other transitions additions to road less labor intensive, therefore less costly to construct. Also, nearly all Fractural Strengths are inconclusive as to whether the addition Graphene Oxide Nanosheets. In facts, it varies so wildly, Scientifically, Peer Reviewed Study had been conducted that met the criteria for certainty that there was an increase Fractural Strength. Equally valid Scientific Studies have shown nominal increase in Fractural Strength, while have shown as much as a 15% increase in Fractural Strength. I like in the Silicon Valley, so Earthquake country. For this region, the must be absolute certainty that there is a statistically significant increase in both Compression Strength and Fractural Strength, so for Graphene Oxide Nanosheet infused Concrete is worth the investment where we have to ALWAYS seriously keep in mind those roads, overpasses, exits, flyovers, etc. that unequivocally must stand up to a minimum of a 7.5 Earthquake.
The most obvious flaw with using Graphene Oxide Nanosheets screams out in it name. They are sheets. They are 2-Dimentional. So by definition they can only add structural integrity on one plane. It is also not very flexible at all, in fact, if torque is applied, it does not take very much to shatter the structural integrity of Graphene Oxide Nanosheets.

A far better a significantly more cost-effective alternative to Graphene Oxide Nanosheets is a technology already being used in roads: Carbon Nanotubes. Carbon Nanotubes form helixes that tend to form long tubes. As these tubes are 3-dimentional, they can resist torque on any plane applied by an Earthquake. While Carbon Nanotubes are significantly more resilient, they remain, significantly more expensive, and there, at this moment in time, cost prohibitive for mass use in roads. But manufactures are bringing production cost by factors of 10 about every 2 years. So, within 5-10 years Carbon Nanotubes become, far and away the best solution.

[edwardhutchinson]

The research must go on! This is an amazing material with limitless applications! More applications will come as the research continues!

[scoop]

28DEC2021 - 40+ years in construction. We had high hopes for fiberglass entraining. It was OK, to a point, but didn't meet the initially claiming expectations in the long run. Graphene will have to jump through some hoops before it gets the approval everyone is hoping for. That could take a while.

[ooyginyardel]

Everything on YouTube is a game changer.

[automateconstruction]

Great video! I see this a lot in 3D printed concrete because it needs to have some really unique properties. I travel the world to film 3D printed buildings so I encounter this quite a bit.

[iamchillydogg]

They didn't create graphene. Your pencil lead is made of graphite which is layers of graphene. The scientists peeled off a few layers with scotch tape. The problem is mass producing graphene is damn hard.

[tonysu]

Graphene embedded in other matrials is interesting but with ramifications.
So, for instance asphalt is one of the highest maintenance but also most recycled building material in existence. It's conceivable how graphene might affect stiffness and strength, but how does it affect recycling?
And, when used with concrete, from the description appears to be a substitute for rebar. Is that the limits or best use of graphene? Is it more effective as a mat layer instead of filament strings as described in the video? And again, what are the consequences for recycling when the graphene and concrete need to be demolished?

One day, if it becomes possible to shape graphene, it will be interesting if it can be used to replace steel, aluminum and even composites in aircraft.
Imagine an aircraft with skin on a molecule or a few molecules thick. And internal structures and struts also possibly composed of tubes of graphene sheets a few molecules thck.

For now though, it's my understanding that once created typically as a sheet is brittle and unmalleable. It would seem that graphne must be applied to a fixed shape from the beginning which greatly complicates the manufacturing process.

[idt]

My career was in the concrete, asphalt, sand & gravel industry and over the years there's been multiple ideas to cut costs and improve results, from re-using asphalt shingles to 'crumb rubber' to the tried and true fibermesh. While making concrete stronger, lighter, cheaper and cement production more environmentally friendly is always the goal, there's little reason to build skyscrapers 'to the moon' other than for some engineers to brag about it. Not many people want to live 140+ stories off the ground.