When we think of polluting materials, we rarely consider cement as such, when it turns out to be one of the most polluting materials and with the greatest presence in our society. Cement production accounts for between 5% and 10% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions emitted into the atmosphere, and the same amount of Co2 is emitted into the atmosphere for each kilo produced. Therefore, it is not surprising that finding a substitute for cement has become a priority for society in general.
Why then does this material not receive the same media attention as others such as gas and/or oil? According to the MIT it could be because this is produced by heating clay and limestone, which despite being finite elements on our planet we can find in abundance throughout the globe.
Technology centers such as Tecnalia They have already set to work to find new ways of producing cement that are more respectful of the environment with several points as a guide:
- Development of cements with a lower carbon footprint with a chemistry different from traditional cements.
- New activators, accelerators and/or additions that allow the cement to “harden” more and faster after its contact with water.
- Nano-fibers and nanotubes.