Being born and raised near Ria de Aveiro, after several years doing research abroad – Scotland, Cheers! I proudly (re)joined Universidade de Aveiro this year working on a fascinating project!
Let´s start with the associated laboratory
The research group is part of the largest Portuguese institute in the field of materials science and engineering – The associate laboratory CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials. Its mission is to develop the scientific and technological knowledge for the innovative production and transformation of materials for a sustainable development[1].This year, the CICECO conference Jornadas do CICECO celebrates its 20 years and our research group is present.
SMART G Project
Geopolymers are an alternative building material with reduced environmental footprint when compared to the Portland cement[2]. Geopolymers can be cost effective and exhibit advanced properties for the application in the construction field[3]. Not they have these advantages but also the production process allows the use of industrial waste[4] which is important to contribute to the circular economy and to reduce environmental impact.
The increase of the materials demand expanded the emission of by-products. In the case of the extraction process and refining of bauxite, if one ton of alumina is needed, the discharge of red mud can be around 0.6-2.5 ton, depending on the raw material and process[5]. Construction waste is one of the main sources of waste in Europe[6] and so recycling it can have environmental significance.
Our project, SMART G, aims to make positive impact producing new materials for construction with the waste-to-product approach. The aim is then to add value to the industrial waste, obtaining materials with energetic efficiency and also fire safety.
More info
If you are curious about it, check out this presentation prepared for Jornadas do CICECO regarding the project.
References
Words About Science 