French construction chemicals company CHRYSO is collaborating with Solidia Technologies, a US-based 'green' cement and concrete tech start-up, to improve the sustainability performance and material properties of Solidia's ultra-low CO2 concrete.
The companies say their partnership is underpinned by a long-term commitment to making sustainable solutions accessible to cement and concrete producers worldwide.
Solidia’s sustainable technology is already available in the precast market and used for non-reinforced concrete elements. The company says its technologies are based on a revolutionary cement chemistry that can be produced at lower energies, significantly lowering carbon emissions, and that does not hydrate but carbonates by injection of CO2 into fresh concrete.
Combined, Solidia’s processes are claimed to lower the carbon footprint of concrete by up to 70%, while reducing water and energy consumption. They also improve the performance and durability of concrete, which are further enhanced with new, sophisticated admixture solution.
CHRYSO has over ten year’s experience in developing admixture solutions that allow the intensive use of alternative binders without compromising material performance.
“The development of innovative admixture solutions adapted to Solidia’s new binder, boosting the final properties of concrete, is one of our R&D works in progress,” said Jean Mascaro, concrete business unit director at CHRYSO. “This will enable higher strengths, an improved finish of the fresh concrete, and the optimisation of the curing process. Together with Solidia, we will scale the use of low CO2 concrete, helping manufacturers produce high quality precast elements.”
Tom Schuler, president and CEO of Solidia Technologies, said: “Incorporating CHRYSO’s exclusive water-reducing admixtures adapted to the specific chemistry of Solidia Concrete, will further reduce water consumption in the curing process.”
A key objective for Solidia is to improve cement and concrete production and performance while enhancing its environmental impact. Schuler said that, by cutting energy consumption during the curing process, CHRYSO will help his company to reach higher levels of performance.
The two partners say their collaboration paves the way for upcoming advances in CO2 footprint reduction and new developments in sustainable chemistry, adding that the deployment of new ultra-low C02 concrete will accelerate the decarbonisation of the construction industry.
