Technology
Concrete manufacturing is an energy-intensive process, resulting in significant amounts of GHG/CO2 being released into the atmosphere. The use of a variety of technologies designed to lower these emissions, including supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) (e.g., fly ash, slag, silica fume, and other products), lowering kiln operational temperatures, and injection of CO2 into wet cement have been evaluated or are in use. Microbial CO2 sequestration by microorganisms, cyanobacteria, diatoms, and other organisms is a well-understood chemical/physical reaction and is currently under development for use in cement production, building façade/envelope development, and other industrial applications.
Investigators have developed a two-part product; an external, replaceable bacterial envelope (cladding) and a central low-carbon footprint concrete material (e.g., SCM) designed to sequester atmospheric CO2 during use and to produce fewer CO2 emissions during cement production. The primary application of this technology is in the production of bridge components (beams, girders, columns) which can have their external envelop/cladding replaced when it has been fully saturated with atmospheric CO2, thereby extending the service life of the element.
Competitive Advantages
- The ability to remove atmospheric CO2 via microorganisms and the use of a low carbon SCM to decrease CO2 volumes during cement manufacture in a single product is unique within the industry.
- Cladding replacement can extend component/infrastructure service life.
- Potential application in other sectors; dams, tunnels, piers, roads, etc.
Opportunity
The global cement manufacturing market was valued at $363 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $519 billion by 2028. Bridge construction was valued at $858 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach a value of $1.42 trillion by 2030.
Rowan University is looking for a partner for further development and commercialization of this technology through a license. The inventor is available to collaborate with interested companies.
