Green cement and supplementary concrete materials are the way of the future, and this has become an even greater possibility thanks to a joint development agreement between First Graphene and Suvo Strategic Minerals. 

The agreement aims to improve Co2 emission reductions by combining the already successful outcomes achieved from the addition of graphene to cement and concrete with Suvo's metakaolin, the companies said in a statement.

Metakaolin is a manufactured product and is formed by heating the mineral kaolin to a temperature between 600 and 800ºC. By heating above the temperature range of dehydroxylation, kaolinite transforms into the highly pozzolanic state of metakaolin; a type of calcined clay. Metakaolin is a pozzolan, one of the most effective pozzolanic materials for use in concrete. 

Credit: OpenPR.com - Metakaolin

Research has proven that graphene-enhanced metakaolin can provide synergistic performance benefits by partially replacing the clinker including accelerated OPC hydration, early hardness and durability. 

Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is the building block of Graphite and has a multitude of properties.

Both companies entered into the agreement with specific roles to be undertaken. First Graphene will provide extensive research and development services, co-develop an R&D plan with Suvo, whilst also ensuring the solution is scaled up to production. 

Suvo will focus on testing the graphene-enhanced metakaolin products and gather extensive market research that will facilitate increased production and commercialisation of the solution. 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Graphene, Michael Bell emphasises how the agreement will be beneficial to the emission reduction target explaining, “The combination of First Graphene and Suvo’s products, coupled with the strength of our combined R&D capabilities and engagement with global markets, offers significant potential to develop even more robust solutions to help the cement and concrete sectors reduce and ultimately eliminate carbon emissions," he said. 

The resulting solution comes with superior benefits for a better planet, creating an exciting and timely opportunity for the cement and concrete sectors. 

Suvo Strategic Minerals Executive Chairman Henk Ludik explains, "More than 4 billion tonnes of cement are manufactured each year - which equates to enough to build a city the size of New York every 40 days, so there's a sizeable market and a big emission reduction target to address," he said.

To learn more about this exciting agreement, click here.