Michigan State University (MSU) engineers have unveiled an innovative concrete material that could transform infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns, writes Emilie Lorditch for MSU News. The newly developed concrete is not only bendable and self-healing but also capable of producing heat, offering a potential solution to snow and ice removal challenges. With concrete production responsible for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, this breakthrough presents a more sustainable alternative for infrastructure.
Traditional concrete is valued for its strength and durability, yet it is prone to damage from freezing and thawing cycles, as well as wear from snowplows. The use of deicing salts to combat winter hazards exacerbates the issue, causing corrosion and introducing chloride into groundwater. The MSU team, led by Qingxu “Bill” Jin and graduate student Xiaoqiang “Antonio” Ni, designed this advanced material to tackle these problems. Their proprietary formula allows the concrete to store energy and release it as heat during freezing temperatures, effectively melting ice and snow without the need for salts.
The material’s flexibility and durability were rigorously tested to ensure it could withstand heavy automotive traffic. Its self-healing properties allow cracks as fine as a human hair to repair themselves, reducing maintenance and extending the lifespan of infrastructure. According to the researchers, even a thin protective layer of this concrete could shield traditional pavements while maintaining its heating and self-healing capabilities, making it an efficient and scalable solution.
By combining energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and durability, MSU’s bendable, self-healing concrete could revolutionize road construction and maintenance. This technology has the potential to reduce repair costs, enhance safety in winter conditions, and lessen the environmental impact of traditional deicing methods, providing a forward-looking solution for communities, especially those underserved by conventional snow and ice removal methods.
Read more here: https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2024/msu-engineers-create-bendable-self-heating-and-healing-concrete