How to overcome the challenges of developing new technologies for the construction industry

January 26, 2024

How to incorporate graphene and graphene oxide into real-world projects and overcome technical, economic, and cultural barriers.

The construction industry, which generates around US$10 trillion annually worldwide, is still making slow progress when it comes to materials innovation. Although the advances offered by nanomaterials such as graphene and graphene oxide are well-established in laboratory studies, demonstrating significant gains in mechanical strength and durability of concrete, less than 0.01% of companies conduct pilot tests in real-world projects. To change this scenario, the ideal approach is to adopt a modular one, starting with proof-of-concept laboratory tests and small-scale bench tests before gradually expanding their use on construction sites.

The problem is not limited to the supposedly high cost of graphene or graphene oxide.

The biggest obstacle is the cultural rigidity of companies. Insistence on traditional processes and reluctance to adopt advanced materials reduce their competitiveness. To overcome this barrier, it is essential to present quick and tangible results. Laboratory tests and clear reports at the end of each testing phase, practical workshops on the construction site, and technical visits to pilot projects generate confidence and encourage gradual and organic adoption.

Although the idea that graphene is expensive persists, today it is possible to find it for less than US$$ per gram, and there are several ways to mitigate the financial risk. The Lei do Bem (Brazilian Innovation Law) allows for a deduction of up to 34 % of investment in R&D from income tax, while specialized credit lines can finance a large part of the costs of a pilot project with nanomaterials. Public-private programs in São Paulo have already reduced the cost of testing composite materials by up to 20 %, thanks to partnerships between government agencies, research institutes, and construction companies.

By simultaneously overcoming technical, economic, and cultural challenges, it becomes clear that incorporating graphene and graphene oxide is not a luxury, but a necessary strategy for those seeking competitiveness and sustainability. If you are looking for innovation that delivers results, want to implement a graphene-enriched concrete pilot project, train your team in nanomaterial dispersion, or map tax incentives, talk to our team of experts in... contact@supergrafeno.com.br.

Bibliography:
ABNT. NBR 16697:2018 – Construction materials — Determination of the compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens. Rio de Janeiro, 2018. Law No. 11.196/2005 (Good Law). Brasília: Presidency of the Republic, 2005.