About Us

Facilities

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT LAB

Portland cement, the most common type of cement used in construction, as well as petrochemicals-based building solutions may be partially replaced in the near future via emerging sustainable binder and resin mixtures that are created from mineral residues and waste materials.

 The Industrial Development Laboratory (IDL) conducts research and development activities around environmentally friendly inorganic materials for construction, using industrial secondary raw materials like slag and ash, as well as residual materials, like clay-rich demolition materials.

Leveraging the cutting-edge CA2DM capabilities in 2D materials and nanotechnology, IDL also specializes into the integration of binder or resin additives, materials processing, as well as functionalized materials. We apply actual materials science & engineering technology and advanced nanomaterials for the development of innovative, fully inorganic, environmentally friendly and sustainable cementitious materials, which are 100% free of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to supply high-end demands of the local and regional construction market.

Materials developed by IDL present a lower carbon footprint compared to ordinary Portland cement (reduction of 80% in CO2 emition), and they have been designed to protect OPC-based concrete subject to aggressive environment (like the marine one), to repair damaged structures (either by crack or volumetric filling – our materials bond strongly to old and new OPC-based concrete), to provide thermal insulation & fire protection and immobilize heavy metals and other harmful materials (through pelletizing) present in urban or industrial residues.  They are durable and resistant to acid attack, providing a lifelong protection for structures.

Figure 1 IDL Processing Lab

Figure 2 IDL Analytical Lab

Figure 3 IDL Analytical Lab

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AREAS

    • Alkali activated materials for both cement-type and ceramic-type applications
    • Sustainable materials for constructions: blended cements, recycled raw materials, aggregates, etc.
    • Durability of materials for construction: permeability, porosity, carbonation, chlorite migration, corrosion, etc.
    • Performance of materials for construction: mechanical resistance, fire resistance, functionalization of materials, etc.
    • Contribution of nanotechnology to materials for construction


ENGAGEMENT WITH PARTNERS

Enquiries regarding contract-based research and technical service and development in the above or related areas are always welcome.

IDL offers professional-quality service and top-level scientific and engineering advice.

    • Feasibility studies and contribution to the technical development of inorganic materials for construction
    • Partnership in product and process design and development of inorganic materials for construction
    • Laboratory processing and characterization equipment rental
    • Strategic support and scientific advisory