A group of researchers at Britain’s Lancaster University used nanoparticles from root vegetables like carrots to produce stronger concrete. They found that the strength of the concrete increased by 80% by using smaller amounts of carrot extract. Celluloses from carrots are being studied as part of a research to contribute to a much stronger and environmentally friendly concrete.
The nanoplatelets that are sourced from the fibers of carrots help concrete gain strength at a lower cost. The European Union’s Horizon 2020 initiated a fund of £195,000 for Lancaster University to proceed with further research work.
This article delves into this new technology of carrot nanoparticles in developing an economical and green concrete for the future.
The study was conducted using carrot particles offered by a Scotland-based company, CelluComp, which works on developing sustainable materials.
Water is present in abundance in carrots, but it is rigid and crunchy due to the presence of cellulose in it. Cellulose is a fibrous substance that is found in all plants. Cellulose is also found in wood but due to the difficulty in extraction, vegetables are preferred for this purpose. These fibers are construction blocks of a vegetable.
The physical fiber does not create direct strength. These celluloses are stated as nanoplatelets or fibers of carrots which when added in smaller amounts change the way water behaves during the cement hydration procedure. It is the way it holds onto water and reacts with the cement that imparts strength to the concrete.
The novel cement nanocomposites are obtained by combining ordinary Portland cement with the nanoplatelets. This considerably reduces energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emission during the manufacturing of cement. A smaller amount of these composites alter the microstructure and change the mechanical properties of the concrete.
Lancaster University engineers state that they use 40 kg less ordinary portland cement per cubic meter of concrete. The preliminary results showed that half a kilogram of carrot nanomaterial reduced 10 kilograms of cement per one cubic meter of concrete.
The testing and studies are still in process to make it a commercially available cement additive.
The cellulose of carrots, stated as nanoplatelets are used as an additive for cement to alter its strength properties. These cellulose are fibrous like substances that alter the way water behaves during cement hydration.
The benefits of using carrots as cement additives are: 1. Dense concrete microstructure 2. Prevention of microcracks in concrete 3. Reduction in cement consumption 4. Increase in the durability of concrete 5. Less carbon dioxide emissions