Building a Better Future: Bio-Based workshop on Self-Healing Concrete
In March 2024, the University of Brunel teamed up with alchemia-nova for a workshop exploring the exciting world of bio-based technologies, with a special focus on self-healing concrete and public acceptance.
The event kicked off with alchemia-nova presenting the DEEP PURPLE project. They showcased various demonstration sites and explained how they extract valuable compounds like PHA, ectoine, and cellulose with PPB from municipal bio-waste and convert them into five valuable bio-based products.
Following this, Brunel University took center stage, unveiling their innovative self-healing concrete technology. This technology utilizes resources recovered from mixed urban waste streams.
The workshop wasn’t just presentations – it was a conversation starter. Industry experts and stakeholders engaged in discussions designed to explore the potential of these technologies. Most attendees were familiar with recovered cellulosic sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment. Stakeholders brainstormed a range of potential uses, including:
- Construction: Self-healing concrete, insulation panels, acoustic tiles, and composite boards
- Plastics Industry
- Paper Industry
- Biofuels
While self-healing materials weren’t entirely new to the audience, the specifics generated a lot of interest. People generally felt comfortable with well-researched and standardized construction materials. However, some concerns arose regarding the long-term survival and potential mutation of bacteria used in self-healing products. This highlighted the need for further research to ensure safety.
While the potential of these technologies is undeniable, several hurdles stand in the way of widespread adoption. Cost remains a major concern, especially for self-healing concrete. The discussion highlighted a number of challenges that need to be addressed: limited public awareness and education, navigating regulatory hurdles, overcoming technical limitations like weaker concrete caused by poor bonding with certain materials, and ensuring a cost-competitive supply chain with proper infrastructure and workforce skills. Additionally, concerns regarding long-term performance and the need for substantial data to validate the effectiveness of these materials were raised.
The good news? Stakeholders and experts emphasized the importance of balancing environmental benefits with performance optimization. By using recovered sludge, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and even sequester carbon, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable construction industry.
Beyond competitive pricing, the workshop suggested that policymakers could play a crucial role. Similar to incentives offered to the petroleum and gas industries, subsidies or tax breaks could be introduced to offset costs and encourage the use of sustainable materials.
This workshop shone a light on the immense potential of recovered cellulosic sludge and its role in creating sustainable infrastructure through innovative materials like self-healing concrete. Addressing concerns like pricing, technical limitations, and policy support will be crucial for widespread adoption in the construction industry. After all, using recovered materials offers a clear path towards a more sustainable future, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conserved resources, and less waste ending up in landfills.