Seamix Basalt Graphene Concrete Admixture for Non-Potable Water
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concrete mixes using seawater or non-potable water suffer from reduced compressive strength over time due to salt crystallization and chemical reactions, leading to deterioration and corrosion of reinforcing steel, necessitating the development of a more resilient and sustainable cementitious composition.
Innovation Solution
The Seamix admixture, comprising basalt fibers, silica fume, and graphene-infused resins, is added to cement to create a concrete that can utilize any type of water, including seawater, providing superior compressive strength, corrosion resistance, and a lower carbon footprint, while neutralizing rusting effects and allowing for the use of non-corrosive reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional concrete mixes use seawater or non-potable water, then water resource utilization is improved, but compressive strength deteriorates over time due to salt crystallization and chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effects of saltwater (corrosion, crystallization) into beneficial outcomes by using graphene oxide to neutralize chloride ions and basalt fibers to counteract salt crystallization pressure. The harmful saltwater environment is transformed into a favorable condition for concrete strength and durability through these reactive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite admixture system combining multiple materials: graphene oxide nanoparticles, basalt fibers, silica fume, and polymer modifiers. This composite formulation creates a multi-functional paste that simultaneously provides strength, corrosion resistance, and chemical stability in saltwater environments, resolving the contradiction between water utilization and strength.
2Ease of operation
If more water is used in mixing concrete, then workability is improved, but paste quality deteriorates with reduced strength and weather resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the cement paste by incorporating graphene oxide (providing high surface area to volume ratio), basalt fibers (providing tensile strength), and silica fume (filling voids). These parameter changes allow the paste to maintain high workability even with reduced water content, as the additives provide internal reinforcement and fill the voids created by lower water-cement ratios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Seamix-infused concrete exhibits significantly enhanced compressive strength, durability, and resistance to alkali corrosion, with potential reductions in cement costs and carbon footprint, making it suitable for structures exposed to harsh environments and reducing the need for fresh water resources.
Implementation Method 1
graphene oxide (GO) coating... graphene is a two-dimensional matrix of carbon atoms... Graphene-based materials... can effectively be used to reinforce polymer composites
Implementation Method 2
basalt fibers... Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) can be used for reinforcing... The fibers provide strength and stiffness to the composite
Implementation Method 3
silica fume... A well graded aggregate with low void content is desired for efficient use of paste
Implementation Method 4
The cement and water combine chemically in a reaction, called hydration, which takes place very rapidly at first and then more and more slowly for a long period of time
Data Source
AI summary
An admixture for making a high-strength concrete with any type of water, including potable water, freshwater, saltwater, brackish water, reclaimed water or any other non-potable water. The admixture consists of basalt fibers, graphene nanoplatelets, calcium sulfide, calcium chloride, magnesium oxide and nanoclays. The admixture can be added to the cement to supplement it to increase the overall compressive strength, or the amount of cement used can be reduced by the amount of admixture added to shorten cure times. A concrete mix can also be prepared by replacing the calcium chloride with silica fume, reducing the amount of cement used, and introducing locally sourced aggregates, coarse and fine, to yield Ultra High Performance Concrete. Products made from the concrete incorporating the admixture have increased compression strength, improved cure times, reduced water consumption and corrosion, increased durability and workability, drastically reduced freeze-thaw effects, and superior crack control.