Graphene was first discovered in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, who later won the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery. An extremely electrically conductive form of elemental carbon, graphene is a million times thinner than a human hair and is considered to be the thinnest object ever created. Despite this, graphene boasts unparalleled strength, electrical conductivity, and flexibility, being 200 times stronger and six times lighter than steel. Graphene is a revolutionary material in the construction industry; according to researchers, there is much architectural potential in this new material, as due to its unique property makeup, graphene can be used in a wide variety of ways.
Properties of Graphene
Graphene has extraordinary properties unlike any other material, improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of buildings. For example, graphene uses much less electricity than copper to transport the same amount of energy. It can also convert the sun’s rays into electricity instantly and conducts heat better than all other materials. Graphene is optically transparent yet impermeable to gases, and is the strongest known material to exist, being harder than diamond, more elastic than rubber, tougher than steel, yet lighter than aluminum. These unique qualities make graphene a remarkable material to incorporate into the construction industry.
Graphene-Enhanced Concrete
In 2018, researchers from the University of Exeter discovered that incorporating graphene into concrete can produce more durable and water-resistant concrete composite. This composite material is projected to be two times stronger and four times more water-resistant than any existing concrete. The traditional method of producing concrete leaves a large carbon footprint – concrete, mortar, limestone, and other materials are heated to approximately 1,480 degrees Celsius, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Since graphene-based concrete uses much less cement to deliver the same quality of strength, it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30%. Researchers suggest that “smart concrete” is the future of construction – due to graphene’s excellent conductivity and thermal properties, engineers could install smart sensors across surfaces to enable real-time monitoring of structures and signal warnings of structural failure.
Graphene-Enhanced Paint
While limewash paint has been used for centuries, the incorporation of graphene is a revolutionary discovery due to its thermal-regulating qualities. Graphene present in paint helps capture heat and improve a room’s insulation, leading to energy savings. In addition, graphene’s thin makeup and durability allows less paint to be used to achieve a quality finish, thus reducing waste.
Graphene is a remarkable material with many possibilities. While uses of graphene in the construction industry are relatively new, there is much potential for the future when it comes to the development and implementation of graphene-based technologies and processes.
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