PolyU develops low-carbon marine self-healing concrete to achieve carbon neutrality with supports from Green Tech Fund

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing green technology to help tackle the pressing need for global sustainability. A team of interdisciplinary experts from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has developed a low-carbon marine self-healing concrete, which holds promising potential for marine construction materials and coastal engineering applications. Contributing to carbon neutrality, this initiative has received approximately HK$6.03 million from the HKSAR Government’s Green Tech Fund for a duration of 24 months.

The project “Marine self-healing concrete with biomineralisation-enhanced construction waste for long-term decarbonisation” is led by Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development at PolyU. The team members are Prof. Chi Sun POON, Head of Department, Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials, and Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering, Prof. YU Tao and Prof. LENG Zhen, with Dr SUN Xiaohao, Research Assistant Professor as the co-principal investigator.

Due to the scarcity of natural aggregate, scientists have been seeking effective alternatives. This project aims to design and develop low-carbon marine self-healing concrete by incorporating biomineralisation-enhanced recycled aggregates made from waste concrete. By employing biomineralisation technology, the marine carbon-capturing bacteria will utilise carbon dioxide (CO₂) to accelerate carbonisation and improve the performance of recycled aggregates. This approach helps reduce CO₂ emissions and facilitates the recycling of construction waste, offering a broad application in marine construction materials and coastal engineering. In addition, this microbial concrete structure possesses self-healing properties that enhance its durability, providing a significant advantage in achieving long-term decarbonisation and sustainability.

Field testing and lifecycle assessments will be conducted to ensure that the new concrete meets the stringent standards of durability and marine ecosystem quality. Anticipated results include comprehensive design guidelines for marine self-healing concrete, optimised mixing techniques, and valuable insights into the influence and environmental performances of low-carbon marine self-healing concrete on marine ecology.

Prof. Li said, “Through the innovative use of biomineralisation and recycled aggregates in marine concrete, this project drives progress in the production of marine construction materials and  pioneers new solutions in sustainable construction to accelerate the development of related industries. Our goal is also to address global environmental challenges such as reducing carbon emissions from construction waste, and promoting its recycling to alleviate landfill pressures. This approach conserves land resources and mitigates environmental hazards, making a contribution towards achieving carbon neutrality and the long-term sustainable development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.”

The Green Tech Fund was established in 2020 to provide better and more focused funding support to research and development projects which help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection.

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