Gerdau, recognized as the largest steel producer in the Americas, has recently made a significant leap into the realm of nanotechnology with the introduction of its graphene admixture line. This initiative is part of Gerdau Graphene, a new business unit under the Gerdau umbrella focused on diversifying the company’s portfolio beyond traditional steel products. The flagship product of this new line, NanoCONS W104, is specifically engineered to improve concrete's mechanical performance while reducing the reliance on Portland cement.
NanoCONS W104 is a water-based admixture that incorporates graphene nanoplate technology. This innovative approach aims to revolutionize concrete production by offering several key benefits:
1. Increased Compressive Strength: Early testing during the product development phase has demonstrated that NanoCONS W104 can enhance compressive strength by up to 50%. This significant improvement positions it as a game-changer for construction projects requiring robust structural integrity.
2. Efficient Water Management: One of the standout features of NanoCONS W104 is its ability to reduce water requirements by 10 to 20% during concrete mixing. Despite this reduction, the admixture maintains the same workability as conventional concrete mixes, making it an attractive option for producers looking to optimize their formulations.
3. Enhanced Resilience and Durability: The incorporation of graphene nanoplates improves concrete's microstructure by decreasing porosity and minimizing exposure to harmful agents. This enhancement leads to longer-lasting concrete structures, vital for infrastructure projects.
4. Accelerated Set Times: NanoCONS W104 has been shown to increase the rate of concrete setting time by an average of 30%. This acceleration can lead to improved project timelines, allowing contractors to complete jobs more efficiently.
Gerdau Graphene is part of Gerdau Next, a strategic initiative designed to expand the company’s offerings beyond steel. This new business unit is dedicated to developing innovative products and services that complement Gerdau's existing portfolio.
According to Valdirene Peressinotto, the Innovation Director at Gerdau Graphene, “The launch of NanoCONS reflects our team’s efforts in research and applied development aimed at solutions for construction, and underscores our commitment to enhancing the performance, durability, and overall sustainability of industrial products.”
Through this initiative, Gerdau aims to leverage the remarkable properties of graphene, a material known for its tensile strength, which is 100 to 300 times greater than that of structural steel. By integrating graphene solutions into the construction sector, Gerdau seeks to enrich its ecosystem and provide comprehensive services to its customers.
In addition to NanoCONS W104, Gerdau Graphene plans to incorporate its graphene admixtures into existing product lines such as NanoDUR, LAV, and CORR, which are already used in paints, coatings, and plastics. This diversification not only enhances Gerdau's competitive edge but also positions the company as a leader in the application of advanced materials in various industries.
Elder Rapachi, Executive Director of Gerdau Next, emphasized the importance of this development: “The development of graphene solutions for the construction sector enriches the ecosystem of the entire company. We can help complement end-to-end service for our customers, offering innovative graphene technologies in addition to services from other Gerdau Next companies.”
The introduction of NanoCONS W104 is expected to have a profound impact on the concrete industry. As construction practices evolve, the demand for sustainable materials that enhance performance while reducing environmental impact is growing. By providing a solution that lowers the need for Portland cement, a significant contributor to carbon emissions, Gerdau is aligning itself with global sustainability goals.
