First Graphene Ltd (ASX:FGR, OTCQB:FGPHF) has welcomed a scientific paper on the benefits of its pristine graphene, PureGRAPH®, to enhance the durability of concrete and mortar in corrosive water environments.
The peer-reviewed study, undertaken by the University of Wollongong and an Australian domestic water, sewerage and drainage statutory, highlights the significant compressive strength and sulphate resistance in concrete and mortars used in wastewater and other corrosive water applications.
Graphene-enhanced concrete and mortar with 0.2% and 0.15% dosage rates showed significant sulphate resistance, by reducing 62% and 60% of extension respectively, after exposure to a sulphate solution for 16 weeks.
Encouragingly, this ratifies earlier results that prove the benefits of PureGRAPH® in wastewater and similar applications.
Moving forward, First Graphene is now aiming to leverage the findings to seek commercial opportunities in wastewater and similar environments.
“Overcome real-world challenges”
First Graphene managing director CEO Michael Bell said: “The public release of this peer-reviewed paper is significant as it verifies the applicability and suitability of the company’s pristine graphene products to overcome real-world challenges.
“It is just one of the areas across the cement and concrete industries in which our product applications are showing significant performance benefits and major sustainability improvements, opening the way to significant global market opportunities.”
Study highlights
The paper was released in the peer-reviewed journal Coatings and followed on from initial findings from the study, led by the University’s School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, that were announced by First Graphene in January 2022.
This latest paper, which was co-authored by the company, reports that based on the mix formulation for wastewater infrastructure, results showed that adding graphene to both concrete and mortar enhanced 28-day compressive strength by 10-20%.
The best admixture level was found to be 0.02-0.1% of PureGRAPH® 50.
The product also showed a reduction of the apparent volume of permeable voids (AVPV) of mortar by 11.7% and concrete by 19.3% at the optimal dosages.
Market
The combined water and wastewater pipe market is projected to be worth US$46.457 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period from 2022–2030.
Notably, the market was valued at US$30.05 billion in 2021.
The results add further strength to ongoing research, development and commercialisation opportunities in the cement and concrete segment for First Graphene.
Commercial-scale trials continue with global construction chemical manufacturers including Fosroc International, and leading cement companies such as Breedon Cement.
The ability of PureGRAPH® to increase the strength and durability of concrete enables a reduction in the clinker required during the cement manufacturing stage, thus reducing CO2 emissions by up to 18%.