Click here to watch a 10 minute video on Alkali-Activated Cements.
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Or, watch it on YouTube

Ordinary portland cement (OPC) is strong and versatile, but produces 5% of global CO2, only lasts 50 years, and is unaffordable in developing nations.

Alkali-Activated Cements (AACs):

• Produce 95% less CO2
• Are competitive in performance
• Are competitive in cost
• Last decades longer
• Recycle millions of tons of industrial waste

Further, our AACs:

• Primarily use the ubiquitous components: limestone, iron slag, and soda ash. Other materials we use include coal fly ash, NaOH, and more.
• Cure at room temperature
• Have nearly passed ASTM C1157 certification

Our research, development, and implementation follows three complementary paths:

• Science – Using state-of-the-art techniques, we are working to better understand why and how AACs behave as they do. This is important in optimizing the materials and mixtures used and to allow for the use of varying feedstocks.
• Industry – We are working toward passing ASTM tests and standards to allow for commercial use of AACs. We have tested some beam, block, and other prototypes and look forward to scaling up further.
• Humanitarian - Through a partnership with IIT Bombay and industry and humanitarian organizations, we are working to develop low-cost yet high-quality building materials. In the context of appropriate technology, this will allow for better and more plentiful housing options for people moving up out of the slums.

We are grateful that this work has been previously funded by an EPA P3 Phase I (2009) and is currently funded by an EPA P3 Phase II (2010) grant and the second annual iCAST Marketplace Triple Bottom-Line Impact Award.

For more information, there is a great introductory video produced by Catalyst in Australia, and our P3 poster is available here.