2024-11-20
NAMI's Innovative Construction Materials Promote the City Towards Carbon Neutrality
Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, NAMI, has developed groundbreaking low-carbon construction materials that not only minimise environmental impact but also achieve superior performance. Two notable innovations - the Bio-based Structural Net-zero Concrete and Carbon Negative Paving Block - demonstrate significant potential in propelling Hong Kong to a “Zero-Carbon Emission City”.
NAMI innovative construction materials promote carbon neutrality
Bio-based Structural Net-zero Concrete
Using biochar is an effective carbon reduction solution for construction materials, however, deterioration effects are inevitably caused on concrete properties with its high usage due to the drawbacks of high water absorption and low strength. NAMI's bio-based super aggregate overcomes the above drawbacks, offering a doubled volumetric carbon storage density of its biochar, while attaining lower than 20% water absorption and over 7 MPa crushing strength for high-volume utilisation in concrete. Furthermore, the bio-based structural net-zero concrete developed by this super aggregate possesses strength higher than C40 performance and carbon emission lower than -10 kg/m³, which is the first concrete to achieve structural application potentials and negative embodied carbon at the same time.
This innovative material shows great potential for diverse applications of load-bearing building and construction structures including precast and ready-mix concrete for partition walls, structural beams and slabs, and civil construction applications like urban road surfaces.
NAMI’s carbon negative paving block that made from recycled and low-carbon materials is an innovative green product that integrated the technologies of carbon capture, utilisation, and sequestration (CCUS), as well as life-cycle assessment (LCA). Through judicious design of formulation, the paving block has low carbon footprint and over 30 MPa of compressive strength. Furthermore, a certain amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide can be permanently locked inside the paving block with carbon capture technology during production. The embodied carbon of the developed paving block is around -0.102 kg CO₂e , indicating that this carbon negative paving block can sequester more carbon dioxide than it emits. NAMI’s carbon negative paving blocks are available in different colours and sizes, and can be widely used in the construction of pavements, playgrounds and patios.
Through expertise in advanced materials research and development, NAMI will continue to transform innovative construction technologies into ready-to-use materials, and foster strategic industry collaborations to accelerate their commercialisation, propelling the construction sector toward carbon-neutrality.
NAMI innovative construction materials promote carbon neutrality
Using biochar is an effective carbon reduction solution for construction materials, however, deterioration effects are inevitably caused on concrete properties with its high usage due to the drawbacks of high water absorption and low strength. NAMI's bio-based super aggregate overcomes the above drawbacks, offering a doubled volumetric carbon storage density of its biochar, while attaining lower than 20% water absorption and over 7 MPa crushing strength for high-volume utilisation in concrete. Furthermore, the bio-based structural net-zero concrete developed by this super aggregate possesses strength higher than C40 performance and carbon emission lower than -10 kg/m³, which is the first concrete to achieve structural application potentials and negative embodied carbon at the same time.
This innovative material shows great potential for diverse applications of load-bearing building and construction structures including precast and ready-mix concrete for partition walls, structural beams and slabs, and civil construction applications like urban road surfaces.
NAMI’s Bio-based Structural Net-zero Concrete achieves structural application potentials and negative embodied carbon at the same time
Carbon Negative Paving BlockNAMI’s carbon negative paving block that made from recycled and low-carbon materials is an innovative green product that integrated the technologies of carbon capture, utilisation, and sequestration (CCUS), as well as life-cycle assessment (LCA). Through judicious design of formulation, the paving block has low carbon footprint and over 30 MPa of compressive strength. Furthermore, a certain amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide can be permanently locked inside the paving block with carbon capture technology during production. The embodied carbon of the developed paving block is around -0.102 kg CO₂e , indicating that this carbon negative paving block can sequester more carbon dioxide than it emits. NAMI’s carbon negative paving blocks are available in different colours and sizes, and can be widely used in the construction of pavements, playgrounds and patios.
NAMI’s Carbon Negative Paving Block can be widely used in the construction of pavements, playgrounds and patios
Through expertise in advanced materials research and development, NAMI will continue to transform innovative construction technologies into ready-to-use materials, and foster strategic industry collaborations to accelerate their commercialisation, propelling the construction sector toward carbon-neutrality.