Sea urchins showed scientists how to make the most durable type of concrete
Scientists from the University of Konstanz in Germany reported that they developed a new kind of concrete, practically incapable of breaking. It allows to build skyscrapers 10 times higher than today's highest existing ones. And it was possible due to the change the nanostructure of the main cement binder.
First of all, German researchers have tried to solve the problem of cracking in cement - this is one of the main issues for building seismic resistant buildings of high strength. The solution was found in an unexpected place - under water ...
The new structure was borrowed from sea urchins, or rather, from their spines. By the way, in favor of the incredible vitality of these marine inhabitants, speaks the fact that the largest of them, exceeding a diameter of 19 cm, were born more than 200 years ago!
"Our main achievement was that we learned to prevent the destruction of calcium hydrosilicate crystals - the main bonding element in cement," explained Professor Helmut Kelfen.
Scientists say that their discovery gives the cement necessary elasticity. The usual material shows great compressive strength, but it breaks down under stretches and bends. The newly discovered structure allowed to strengthen the tensile strength.
Tests have shown that cement, created by the new technology, is 40-100 times stronger than the material that is used today. The only problem is the cost. Scientists say that this technology will be expensive in large-scale production. But it can be used in the form of additives to cement, increasing its strength.
Earlier, scientists from the University of British Columbia also said that they solved the problem of stretching and created concrete that can cope with earthquakes of magnitude 9, even without reinforcement elements. Prior to them Professor Rutgers University introduced the technology of environmentally friendly concrete production, which reduces emissions of greenhouse gases by 70%.
