Graphene in architecture and construction
Among the different materials that are framing the new technological and innovative era of the sector of the construction, there is graphene, which undoubtedly proposes a nanotechnology revolution applied to the energy efficiency of the new modern architecture.
One of the first projects to be presented based on made from a graphene composite material was the Hydra Skyscraper (Cover Image) by a studio Serbian multidisciplinary team formed by Milos Vlastic, Vuk Djordjevic, Ana Lazovic, Milica Stankovic who had a recognition of honor in architecture before the awards EVOLUTION.
It was intended, given the high thermal and electrical conductivity of this material, in addition to its great resistance, exceeding two hundred times to steel, capture the energy that is produced during electrical storms and store the energy produced in mega-batteries located at the base of the building.
Future or not, we could already see the possibilities of a material that is revolutionizing both the field of technology as well as the various applications it may have.
Later on, the concept “Grafeno Loft” (Del Arketiposchile studio – More info… HERE) One way different from the traditional one, improving the use of structural elements, using the shape of the hexagon as base, and the strength of graphene and its applications as main material.
We can recognize that graphene will be the material of the future. The latest studies carried out by some European universities have made it possible to obtain materials that considerably improve the performance of solar collector cells and their efficiency, as a result of these investigations It has been possible to obtain materials such as graphene aerogel that It is characterized for being a light material and highly efficient as thermal insulation.
A study by the University of UCAM demonstrates the efficiency of this innovative material against builder applications such as the concrete. We can read more from the article HERE… «the most immediate and necessary application is: that in pillars, pipes, roads, concrete walls and in dams, elements that require greater durability over time, this additive will reduce the use of cements that pollute severely, which is good for the environment and will modify the traditional construction procedure of materials with concrete.” Content menu:
- Properties of graphene.
- Graphene and its applications in construction: Insulation and high efficiency equipment.
- In the following video we are explained some of its most important graphene applications:
Properties of the graphene.
- Great conductor of electricity: Exceeds more than the properties of materials that are usually we use as copper and requires less amount of electricity to carry energy relative to other materials such as silicon, so that graphene is capable of to generate electricity from the energy of the sun.
- Enormous hardness . It is a material about 200 times harder than steel, being able to be assimilated to that of Diamond. That is why we talk about it being resistant to wear, and capable of withstanding high loads.
- Great flexibility. It has great elasticity which make it a moldable material, thus allowing great variety of applications.
- May react with other substances. This property allows you to create new materials from its initial structure, with the possibility of increase your applications.
In addition, according to research by a team of scientists Spaniards can absorb all light in its atomic monolayer, being able to capture light of different colors, which makes it make it ideal for developing photosensor materials of application in photovoltaic solar collectors of high efficiency, because the collectors that are manufactured are currently developed with semiconductor materials like silicon, so they can only capture and absorb a part of the infrared radiation received from the sun.
Graphene and its applications in Construction: Insulation and high quality equipment efficiency.
Among the graphene applications within the field of construction, and in particular for improve energy efficiency in buildings, the following materials stand out obtained from it:
- Graphene airgel, which, since it is the lighter and more efficient material as insulation thermal, allows its application to obtain solutions of High performance energy saving.
- It can be used as insulation sheets of about 5 mm thick graphene airgel, with which we are talking about much smaller thicknesses than traditional insulators, which will allow a great space saving and energy efficiency improvement, not only in the building construction, but also in the manufacture of solar panels. In addition to its minimum thickness, it It is a very flexible and strong material, of high resistance to mechanical actions and easy installation.
- In the manufacture of double tube solar panels in order to isolate the connection between the panel and the water storage tank.
- Nanoparticle Titanium Oxide Coatings, for coating and protection of tubes, with which improves their efficiency and duration and protects them from the action from external agents such as bad weather meteorological, ultraviolet rays, and other types of mechanical actions. titanium oxide It has very good properties as a photocatalyst and protects the tube from any aggression from the outside.
- Manufacture of photovoltaic solar panels with cells made with graphene airgel, given its high performance by absorbing all sunlight and its good performance as a photosensitive material, facilitating the assembly and installation of the same to the be a light material, increasing its life useful and improving its efficiency and performance and reducing costs for companies
- Manufacture of connection cables in the panels highly efficient solar panels, due to the lower rate conductivity of the airgel, making it very useful and especially in solar installations.
It is an extremely strong, elastic material and its innumerable and amazing qualities have given him known as the name of the “miracle material”. Pointed out by many experts as the ingredient that will revolutionize electronics, it is also expected to reach the architecture and engineering to dethrone the almighty concrete and even the strongest steel.
In the following video we are explained some of its most important applications of graphene:
In addition to these applications, the field of nanotechnology presents many others that are can apply within the construction, which can help us to improve the quality of the finished building as well as that the itself can be energy efficient and above all respectful with the environment.
Some of his graphene applications are aimed at improving the thermal insulation of the building envelopes with minimum thicknesses (See article on types and properties of materials insulators), manufacture of resistant materials or alloys Corrosion resistant, non-rusting, durable, corrosion resistant action of fire, moisture, ease of maintenance and cleaning etc.
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Links of interest:
- Innovative materials. Where search?
- Living urbanism and ecological.
- Heating and cooling by algae.
- Light and natural lighting.
- Green Building Lighthouse Denmark.
- Plastic in the current architecture.
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Article prepared by José Luis Morote Salmeron (Technical Architect – Manager Energy) Access to its website HERE, at colaboration with Home Repair Care.
