Concrete is the backbone of our society, used to build bridges, roads, hospitals, and shelters, among others. However, given its ubiquitous use, it is responsible for up to 1% of the U.S.’s CO2 emissions. For this reason, intensive research is on its way to rethink concrete’s future and composition, in order to meet the environmental challenges of global warming. This talk will discuss some of the developments going on in my lab on the potential of “green” concrete, ranging from concrete as a carbon sink to Roman-inspired self-healing concrete, all based on progress in our nanoscale assessment of the heterogeneous chemistry of cement hydration and CO2 mineralization in concrete. These science-enabled pathways all aim at making this multifunctional material part of the solution for the sustainable development of our society at large.

This webinar will be presented by Admir Masic, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT.

The Masic Lab @ MIT investigates the nanochemomechanics of mineralization and biomineralization processes of materials ranging from construction materials to archeological and biological materials. With research projects that span from Roman concrete to modern Portland cement, from nacre to kidney stones, from ancient colors to Dead Sea scrolls, the goal of The Masic Lab is to translate the fundamental knowledge gained in the lab into real-world applications for a sustainable future.