Scientists Utilize Industrial Waste
Researchers have developed a novel concrete material utilizing fly ash and bottom ash from thermal power plants, and waste glass, which exhibits remarkable light-transmitting properties. This groundbreaking innovation has earned the group the third prize in the Scientific Initiatives 2024 contest.
Groundbreaking Characteristics
The "green" concrete developed by the Mining and Geology University team boasts exceptional light transmission, high strength, and zero cement content. This unique combination sets it apart from existing concrete on the Vietnamese market. Notably, the waste glass serves as a cost-effective light-conducting material, eliminating the need for expensive fiber optics found in other light-emitting concretes.
Environmental Benefits
Led by Dr. Tang Van Lam, the research team aimed to address the challenges of industrial waste disposal and utilization. By employing fly ash, bottom ash, and sludge from wastewater treatment plants, along with waste glass, they significantly reduce the consumption of cement. This process mitigates harmful emissions and air pollution associated with cement production, contributing to sustainable construction practices.
Materials and Composition
The research team's technology involves reusing fly ash, bottom ash, sludge, and waste glass. The incorporation of waste glass particles enables light to pass through the concrete, resulting in a cost-effective solution. The "green" concrete, composed of these waste materials, exhibits excellent mechanical properties, with compressive strength reaching 60 MPa in laboratory tests on 10 cm cubic specimens.
Design and Applications
The fabricated concrete is produced as thin panels in various shapes, including squares, rectangles, and hexagons, with a thickness ranging from 10 to 15 mm. The surface is polished and smoothed to reveal the waste glass particles within the concrete, which significantly influences the light transmission quality. Natural and artificial light can penetrate the concrete panels due to these glass particles.
Challenges and Solutions
According to Dr. Lam, the sharp edges of waste glass particles posed a safety concern. To address this, the team applied a layer of liquid glass to the surface, enhancing the aesthetics and safety of the product.
The light-transmitting concrete has potential applications as decorative elements in buildings, both indoors and outdoors, producing unique lighting and color effects. However, it currently lacks the ability to generate patterned light. The research team plans to explore this aspect in future studies, aiming to create concrete that selectively transmits light, offering even more artistic possibilities.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Hoang Minh Duc, Director of the Institute of Concrete Technology at the Institute of Construction Science and Technology (IBST), praised the research for its innovative approach to waste management and sustainable materials. He advised the team to further investigate the material's internal interactions, isolate potential hazards from the waste components, and optimize the technology based on desired properties, especially light transmission. "In terms of market potential, the team should initially focus on decorative and artistic applications, possibly integrating this material with traditional ones," he suggested.
Recognition and Future Prospects
The "green" Concrete team from the University of Mining and Geology received a third-place award of 30 million VND in the Scientific Initiatives 2024 contest organized by VnExpress. PGS. TS Dao Van Duong, a member of the jury, acknowledged the material's usefulness in decorative construction and its contribution to green sustainability. He commended the innovative use of glass for light transmission but emphasized the need for more thorough research on raw material availability, structural stability, and the product's light transmission value.
Summary
The innovative concrete developed by the "green" Concrete team addresses environmental concerns by utilizing industrial and waste materials. Its unique combination of light-transmitting capabilities and high strength makes it a promising material for decorative and sustainable construction applications. The team's ongoing research aims to further enhance the product's properties and explore its potential for creating dynamic and artistic lighting effects.