The vast amounts of carbon emissions created during the manufacture of concrete could be cut if an Australian enterprise is successful.

Zeobond will own the first commercial venture into changing industrial waste into geopolymer concrete.

It uses cement, ash and slag leftovers to create a geopolymer substance at room temperature that behaves and looks like Portland cement.

"Geopolymer binder can be used in applications to replace or partially replace ordinary Portland cement with environmental and technical benefits," says the company.

This includes an 80 per cent to 90 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and better resistance to fire and chemicals.

Geopolymers will be a vital component in Zeobond's E-crete, which will initially be launched with non-structural applications, such as paving, driveways, concrete cladding and barriers in mind.

A high-performance quality will be made available later in the year, the company said.

Melbourne-based Zeobond was founded by Professor Jannie van Deventer, dean of the engineering faculty at the University of Melbourne.



© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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