Cemex have been awarded funding from Innovate UK’s decarbonising concrete fund for a research project into the use of graphene in concrete. The use of graphene within a concrete mix has the potential to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions by using less material whilst still achieving the same structural performance.

Mike Higgins, National Technical Manager for Cemex UK, commented that: “The funding further demonstrates our continued commitment to developing more sustainable construction materials and bringing them to market.

It is a great example of how partnership working across the construction sector and alongside academic institutions and can drive innovative new approaches that aim to bring about additional benefits for the built environment, as it continues its journey towards a more sustainable future.”

The project proposes an innovative approach to decarbonising concrete by integrating micronised limestone and graphene-based admixtures into the concrete mix, targeting the reduction of embodied carbon emissions associated with concrete production.

This innovation addresses the challenge by reducing the reliance on Ordinary Portland Cement, which is responsible for a significant portion of concrete’s carbon emissions. The use of micronised limestone as a supplementary cementitious material reduces the need for Ordinary Portland Cement, thereby decreasing CO₂ emissions.

You can read the full press release HERE.