In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the construction and energy sectors, researchers have drawn inspiration from nature to create a novel hydrogel-cement composite that significantly enhances the toughness and sustainability of building materials. The study, led by Han Wang from the State Key Laboratory of Engineering Materials for Major Infrastructure at Southeast University, was recently published in *npj Materials Sustainability*, which translates to *npj Sustainable Materials*.
The research addresses a critical challenge in the construction industry: enhancing the toughness of cement-based materials to extend their service life and reduce carbon emissions. By mimicking the biomineralization process found in nature, Wang and his team developed a composite material with an interpenetrating organic-inorganic structure. This innovative approach involves rapidly polymerizing a continuous organic network within the cement, followed by the sequential deposition of inorganic cement hydrates. The result is a honeycomb-like porous structure that dramatically improves the material’s properties.
The hydrogel-cement composites, which contain between 2.4 and 13.7 weight percent hydrogel, exhibit more than a 30-fold increase in flexural toughness and a 60 percent boost in compressive strength compared to normal cement paste. Additionally, the composites’ high porosity, characterized by closed micropores, contributes to a 90 percent reduction in thermal conductivity. This significant improvement in thermal insulation could have profound implications for the energy sector, particularly in reducing the energy demands of buildings and infrastructure.
“Our findings open a new window to toughen and functionalize cement-based materials with hydrogels using a biomineralization-inspired strategy,” said Han Wang, the lead author of the study. This approach not only enhances the mechanical properties of cement but also introduces functional characteristics that could revolutionize the way we design and construct buildings.
The potential commercial impacts of this research are substantial. In the energy sector, the reduced thermal conductivity of these composites could lead to more energy-efficient buildings, lowering heating and cooling costs and reducing overall energy consumption. This innovation could also contribute to the development of more sustainable construction practices, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.
As the construction industry continues to seek innovative solutions to enhance the durability and sustainability of building materials, this research offers a promising path forward. By leveraging the principles of biomineralization, the team has demonstrated that nature can serve as a powerful inspiration for advancing materials science and engineering.
The study, published in *npj Materials Sustainability*, highlights the potential of interdisciplinary research to drive innovation and address critical challenges in the construction and energy sectors. As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure, this breakthrough could pave the way for a new generation of building materials that are both tough and environmentally friendly.