Graphene enhanced concrete fence

Important results from the project

The goal is to reduce the amount of concrete by adding functionalized graphene while keeping the strength, especially the flexural strength for fence applications. The fences were set up in three different locations in Sweden (two outdoor and one indoor). The enhancement on flexural and compressive strength was observed. The fast aging test (indoor) also shows the flexibility of graphene concrete. It is supposed that graphene densifies the microstructure of cement and as the result increases the strength of concrete. This makes it to use less concrete (30 wt%) in fence foundations.

Expected long term effects

It was exciting to set up graphene concrete fence foundations in different environmental conditions with providing enough functional graphene, suitable mixing method on time. We did observe the difference of mechanical strength according to different locations, and the concrete with functionalized graphene show better flexural strength. The results we got was expected and gave us proof of concept that graphene enhanced concrete foundations for fences are possible and results are stable enough to use as evidence in further detailed examinations and trimmings of the application.

Approach and implementation

Within the project, we formed a good supply chain with different partners: SHT provided functionalized graphene, Chalmers did the characterization and Heda set up the graphene concrete fences. Technically, we will need fundamental study to understand the reaction between graphene and cement with aid of Chalmers and SHT. That will help us to improve more in the future. The price of raw graphene and scale-up procedure (for SHT and Heda) is also a challenge to maintain high quality and acceptable cost for commercialization of graphene in fence applications.