First Graphene (ASX:FGR) expects a raft of new trial projects to reduce CO2 emissions associated with cement production by 16% via the partial replacement of carbon-intensive clinker.
The trial projects will roll out in the UK containing PureGRAPH, which enhances cement produced by First Graphene’s commercial partner Breedon Group (LSE:BREE).
Breedon will produce 600 tonnes of cement incorporating circa three tonnes of PureGRAPH CEM at the Hope Cement Works in Derbyshire, UK. The company expects to conduct pre-trial equipment inspections at Hope Cement Works this month, with production to begin in December 2025.
First Graphene notes this will be distributed to numerous material, construction, and academic partners in the UK looking to benefit from material performance improvements and carbon reduction associated with graphene enhanced cement (GEC) and concrete products.
CEO Michael Bell says the cement and concrete sector has one of the highest volume potentials for graphene integration into products.
“While there has been some delay to trial production at this scale, it has allowed our partners to secure appropriate infrastructure projects and construction schedules to put Breedon’s GEC to use,” Bell says.
First Graphene is working alongside construction and materials organisations – Morgan Sindall (LSE:MGNS) and FP McCann – with support from the University of Manchester to bring the trial to fruition.
Morgan Sindall is currently gearing up to lay graphene ground slabs, which involves two tonnes of cement for a concrete batch. A small test slab will also be poured for durability testing, monitoring, and measuring. Remaining concrete will be used to produce samples for a suite of standard strength tests.
Meanwhile, FP McCann is using 40 to 60 tonnes of GEC in the production of thousands of roof tiles at the Cadeby manufacturing plant, which will then be tested at the company’s research and development facility.
FP McCann’s trial has been partially designed in response to the UK housing shortage crisis and the federal government’s plan to deliver 1.5 million affordable, sustainable new homes.
First Graphene is a developer focused on advanced materials to help industries improve. The company is a supplier of graphitic materials and product formulations with a specific commercial focus on global markets including cement and concrete.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: First Graphene
