First Graphene Ltd (ASX:FGR, OTCQB:FGPHF) has fielded positive results from early-stage trials on its PureGRAPH cement technology, aimed to reduce carbon emissions and increase compressive strength in the cement and concrete industry.
Initial early-stage compressive strength gain data has indicated an up to 10% increase, meeting FGR’s performance requirements with a 15% reduction in carbon emissions.
Importantly, this offers a pathway to carbon reduction and greater sustainability within the cement and carbon industry, a major goal for the sector at large.
Driving down construction industry emissions
“Completion of phase one trials is a significant milestone towards the adoption of graphene-enhanced cement as a tool to help drive emissions down in the construction industry,” First Graphene managing director and CEO Michael Bell said.
“This initial test of applying PureGRAPH®-enhanced cement at an industrial scale has produced very encouraging and positive results.
“These results provide a route for the construction industry to meet environmental sustainability targets, and First Graphene is optimistic about the role our product can play in that journey.
“We look forward to continuing this collaboration with project partners as we embark on the next phase of trials, which is set to revolutionise the global construction sector.”
The company produced about 600 tonnes of graphene-enhanced cement at the UK’s largest processing facility operated by Breedon Cement Ltd.
The graphene was consistently dosed and dispersed into a cement grinding mill using standard process equipment, which indicates the ease at which PureGRAPH can be produced with industrial-scale, standard equipment.
Industry-wide implications
“We’ve already seen some promising early results and, while there is clearly more to do, it’s a significant step in the right direction as the industry moves towards Net-Zero in 2050,” Breedon Cement managing director Jude Lagan said.
“I am looking forward to continuing further trials to see how we can optimise the use of graphene and help to decarbonise the cement industry, whilst continuing to develop environmental benefits.”
The graphene enhanced cement was used to create a temporary wheel washing facility at a major infrastructure project that is being delivered by project partner, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, on behalf of a UK government company.
“We are delighted to be involved in this full-scale production trial from the beginning,” Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Highways team managing director Sarah Reid said.
“The work undertaken provides an opportunity for cement carbon reduction. Concrete is one of the most common materials we use, and it won’t be one single change that makes it Net Zero, it will be a number of things.
“Graphene is just one element that will contribute to our responsible business strategy on improving the environment.”
First Graphene says the trial also validated the scientific theory behind PureGRAPH, while demonstrating the viability of producing industrial-scale volumes with minimal disruption and costs associated with modifications at a live production facility.
“We were pleased to work with our industrial partners on this project, seeing it through from the laboratory scale to a full-scale demonstrator,” University of Manchester, School of Engineering Doctor Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo said.
“This is a good example of how we can collaborate to transfer our world-class scientific and engineering knowledge to the real world. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on future projects.”