University researchers make new cement mix with coconut and rice

Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) in Spain and the University of São Paulo in Brazil have developed a new construction material which incorporates green coconut fibres, ash from the rice husk and cellulose pulp into conventional Portland cement. The material has been developed with usage in low cost housing construction in mind, although it could be used for any type of construction. It is said to be an alternative to traditional cement but is more sustainable and is cheaper. It al

August 12, 2013 Read time: 1 min

The material has been developed with usage in low cost housing construction in mind, although it could be used for any type of construction.

It is said to be an alternative to traditional cement but is more sustainable and is cheaper. It also has high mechanical and resistance properties.

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Carrots could strengthen concrete mixtures

Root vegetable fibres can be used to strengthen the concrete mixtures used in building construction, researchers claim. A team of engineers at Lancaster University and their industrial partner CelluComp are testing the addition of ‘nano platelets’ extracted from the fibres of root vegetables (such as sugar beet or carrots) to concrete. By increasing the performance of concrete, the researchers claim that smaller quantities will be needed in construction and buildings can be made more environmentally