Graphene manufacturer cements deal with Balfour Beatty
Versarien, the Gloucestershire-based advanced materials engineering group, has signed an agreement with Balfour Beatty Group Limited to develop a range of low carbon, graphene-infused, 3D-printable mortars suitable for civil construction.Â
This is good news for the business, which yesterday announced that it was selling its Banbury-based subsidiary AAC Cyroma, a specialist plastics manufacturing business, to boost its coffers and refocus on its core activities.
The goals for the Balfour Beatty project are to develop innovative, sustainable and cost-effective 3D-printable mortars suitable for civil construction, while establishing a robust UK-based supply chain and demonstrating their efficacy in real-world applications.
This will include formulating three types of mortar: one based on local materials, and two enhanced with Versarien's graphene admixture, CementeneTM. Additionally, efforts will focus on establishing a UK-based supply chain, involving identifying local suppliers, integrating the graphene admixture, implementing quality control protocols, and creating distribution channels and sales frameworks for both domestic and international markets.
The project will involve demonstrating the application of these mortars in real-world scenarios within Balfour Beatty's Highways business, and assessing their performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional construction materials. It will also evaluate the viability of 3D printed construction methods, considering aspects like cost, time efficiency and sustainability.
Collaboration with various bodies will be pursued to propose changes to design codes, ensure certification of products and address any regulatory hurdles throughout the project lifecycle.
Dr Stephen Hodge, CEO of Versarien, said: "We are delighted to be working with Balfour Beatty and their Highways business on this project to further develop 3D printable construction materials enabling low-carbon, efficient construction solutions. Versarien already has experience of working with Balfour Beatty through both being members of the National Highways Roads Research Alliance and the Digital Roads of the Future project. We look forward to deepening our relationship."
