UAE University Patents Sustainable Concrete Using Waste Paper Ash and CO2 Curing to Cut Emissions

mediaoffice.abudhabi

by clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 points

Researchers at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have received a US patent for a method that replaces part of the cement in concrete with waste paper ash and uses carbon dioxide curing. The approach tackles two problems: the high emissions from cement production and the disposal of waste paper ash from industry. Tests showed that replacing about 10% of cement with the ash maintained concrete strength while storing CO2 in the material. The patent covers precast concrete units, blocks, and paving produced under controlled curing conditions. The team included professors Hilal El-Hassan and Tamer El Maaddawy, along with a master's student and an alumnus. This innovation supports circular economy goals and could lower the carbon footprint of construction materials if scaled commercially.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting. Cement accounts for about 8% of global CO2 emissions. Replacing even 10% with waste ash and curing with CO2 could make a dent if the process is cost competitive at scale.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The 10% replacement level they tested seems modest but realistic. The real question is whether waste paper ash supply can match demand if this goes commercial. Paper mills are not everywhere.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

They mention controlled curing conditions which usually means an enclosed chamber with CO2 injection. That adds energy and equipment cost. Would like to see the energy balance compared to standard precast.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

If the CO2 used for curing is captured from industrial sources, this could qualify for carbon credits or tax incentives under some frameworks. That might tip the economics for precast manufacturers.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Good point. But the article does not mention the source of CO2 for curing. If it is from natural gas or direct air capture, the cost and footprint vary a lot. Details matter here.