Scientists have developed a new type of concrete that is 17 times more resistant to cracking, drawing inspiration from natural materials. This innovative concrete aims to enhance the durability and safety of cement, one of the most widely used construction materials in the world.
Inspired by Nature: A More Durable Concrete
The new concrete mimics the structure of abalone and oyster shells. Published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, the research suggests that this new concrete could lead to safer, more durable, and longer-lasting building materials. This cracking-resistant concrete increases its deformation and stress capacity by 19 times without breaking, using hexagonal cement plates and a thin polymer.
The ability of concrete to stretch under pressure is crucial as it makes the material less brittle, thereby making it 17 times more resistant to cracking.
Researchers believe that this method could also be applied to other brittle ceramic materials, such as porcelain. Considering how delicate porcelain is, this could represent a significant advancement.
Nacre-Inspired Concrete
The new concrete is inspired by a natural material known as nacre, or mother of pearl, found inside certain shells. Under microscopic examination, nacre appears composed of hexagonal tablets bonded together with biopolymer. This structure significantly strengthens the shells as a single solid object.
Researchers state that they aim not only to mimic what nacre does in nature but also to learn from these principles to see how they can be applied in engineering man-made materials. This could pave the way for creating stronger materials in the future.
Potential to Revolutionize the Concrete Industry
The new crack-resistant concrete has the potential to revolutionize the concrete industry. This innovation could be a significant step toward constructing safer and more durable structures. Enhancing the durability of concrete not only reduces construction costs but also opens the door to more sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings.
