First Graphene Limited (ASX: FGR) has confirmed that trials using the company’s PureGRAPH product have commenced at Breedon Group’s Hope Cement Works in the United Kingdom.
Approximately 2,000 tonnes of graphene enhanced cement will be produced at the Derbyshire plant, which is the largest in the UK. The volume of cement is thought to be among the highest produced globally by trials using graphene to enhance cement properties.
The trial provides the opportunity to further validate and showcase the CO2 reduction benefits provided by adding graphene into the cement production process on an industrial scale.
About 1.2 tonnes of PureGRAPH 50 is being used in the trial, testing multiple dispersion methods and dosage rates to determine the most effective and beneficial application process. The graphene will first be formulated into a grinding aid and then introduced into the cement grinding mill feed.
Dispersion into the cement production line will occur over a 24-hour period using traditional grinding aid dosage lines, with minimal operational or mechanical change required to the existing plant.
Cement produced will be validated by Breedon’s Quality team to assess its performance enhancement.
Results from the trial will be used to build on data obtained from smaller scale trials previously conducted at an accredited concrete processing laboratory in the United Kingdom. These small- scale trials have generated positive results.
Recent work carried out by the University of Manchester confirmed the potential for PureGRAPH enhanced cement to reduce CO2 emissions and deliver a range of mechanical benefits in concrete- based systems, at very low graphene loading levels.
The graphene enhanced cement produced through the trial will be supplied to leading British construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall Construction, which will use it in real world construction demonstrations.
The company is renowned for its cutting-edge approach to carbon reduction, sustainable material use and building methods in the construction sector.
“This industry collaboration led by First Graphene is an example of world leading research and a significant jump in trial size to demonstrate the value of graphene in greening the cement and concrete industries,” Managing Director and CEO, Michael Bell, said.
“To our knowledge the volume of graphene-enhanced cement being produced is among the biggest ever trialled globally.
“We’re aiming to determine a simple, low-cost method of introducing graphene to industrial scale cement production to drive the sustainability and decarbonisation of one of the highest emitting industries on the planet.
“Having involvement from leading manufacturer Breedon and sustainability innovator Morgan Sindall adopting this cement into real-world applications gives the trial extreme credibility, showcasing the potential of green cement products powered by First Graphene’s PureGRAPH.”
