US: Prometheus Materials' microalgae biocement-based bioconcrete has demonstrated 12 times greater sound absorption than concrete produced using ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Prometheus Materials' bioconcrete contains its biocement, which is produced at ambient temperature, without process CO2 emissions.
Cemex UK launches Vertua reduced-CO2 mortars
UK: Cemex UK says that it has achieved a 30% reduction in the CO2 emissions of its mortars range, enabling it to bear the company's Vertua sustainability label. The producer said that it has incorporated its Vertua CEM II A-L Portland limestone cement (PLC), alongside new admixture technology, in its mortar mixes. It added that it has upgraded drying processes in its mortar production, increasing energy efficiency.
Cemex's Europe regional mortars production manager Andy Bright said “By utilising designed mortar formations, we have been able to make a considerable carbon reduction to the products in our mortars range. These products are prized by our customers because of their strong performance and strength, flexibility of supply and wide range of colours and we are confident they will appreciate the opportunity to choose a more sustainable product too.”
Shree Cement to enter ready-mix concrete sector
India: Shree Cement plans to set up a ready-mix concrete network in its resident Indian market. The network will consist of five ready-mix batching plants. The Business Standard newspaper has reported that the cement company expects to commission the new concrete capacity before the end of the current financial year on 31 March 2024.
Renca supplies zero-cement geopolymer mortar for 3D printing project in the US
US: Geopolymer cement and concrete producer Renca has supplied its geopolymer 3D printing mortar for the construction of a house in the Western US. The product contains no cement, lime or gypsum due to the non-hydraulic binding properties of the mortar. It contains industrial by-products and has a faster setting time than mortar produced with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), as well as 90% lower CO2 emissions.
Renca said that its geopolymer mortar performed well despite the desert setting of the project, with dramatic changes in temperature. It added, "Even though geopolymer mortars require a specific approach towards the mixing procedure and, unlike cementitious-based products, need to be mixed in a batch mixing system, this milestone opens new horizons. Renca's current research and development seeks to develop a one-component geopolymer mortar for continuous mixers, as well as a 2K system where you can control the setting time right at the nozzle."