Eden Energy closer to bulk commercialisation of concrete strengthening technology

Eden Energy (ASX: EDE) has refined the dispersion technique for the company’s concrete strengthening technology, overcoming a major hurdle to the development of bulk commercial applications.

Concrete manufacture provides a prime market for Eden’s carbon nano-fibre and nano-tube products which can be used to reinforce a number of products due to their high strength.

The technology works in concrete by bridging the gaps across micro-cracks which occur from the initial setting of concrete. Over time, these micro-cracks gradually grow to form larger cracks, exposing reinforcement and allowing damage to the integrity of a structure.

Initial tests of Eden’s carbon products in certain concrete formulations showed increases in flexural strength of between 15% and 30% seven days after treating.

Increasing the flexural strength of concrete is a boon for the construction industry, allowing for reduced concrete beam dimensions and consequently thinner floors, reducing overall building height.

At the same time, this can reduce the need for steel reinforcement, which lowers project material costs.

Due to the nature of the carbon products, dispersion has been an issue in concrete use in the past.

However, Eden’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiary Hythane Company has developed a greatly improved technique which enhances the even dispersion of the carbon products in concrete and mortar composites.

To measure the effect of this new technique, Hythane Company will re-create earlier trials, examining the effect on the flexural strength of mortar beams made from nano-carbon enriched mixtures.

Preliminary tests have begun, with initial analysis of the results expected to begin within 30 days.

Conductive concrete

In addition to improved strength, preliminary tests of Eden’s new dispersion technique has resulted in concrete showing an increase in conductivity of up to 40 times.

Increasing the conductivity of concrete could allow for stress testing, as the resistance of carbon products in the concrete changes due to changing load conditions.

This could have major implications for the concrete industry.

Potential markets

Eden has already received interest from the concrete industry in its strengthening products, with one of the world’s largest cement and concrete manufacturers currently testing Eden’s products.

However, the products have a number of other applications, including electrical applications such as batteries and electronic paper, where they are currently being used on a small scale, as well as conductive paint, coatings and thermoplastics.

It also has potential for reinforcing rubber, with tests underway. With the ability to extend the life and reduce the weight of tyres, this could prove to be very popular among mining companies and contractors that have been hit hard in the past by tyre shortages.

The impact of the improved dispersion technique on these markets has not yet been addressed.

Originally published at: http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/22857/eden-energy-closer-to-bulk-commercialisation-of-concrete-strengthening-technology-22857.html