Building Materials

Graphite is showing its benefits in a wide variety including construction and infrastructure. Its photocatalytic properties and strength are proving to extend the life of many building materials in ways we never imagined. On this page we will discuss some of those materials.

Asphalt

The state of Texas is utilizing graphite mine tailings by way of improving asphalt used for roadways. Engineers with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) conducted research on mixing our tailings with their asphalt mix and the findings were so impressive they now incorporate the tailings in their mix. It is prolonging the life of the asphalt while saving TxDOT and Texas tax payers a pretty penny.

Concrete

When it comes to concrete, mixing our graphite with concrete has photocatalytic benefits. In layman terms the added graphite allows the concrete becomes self-cleaning. Again, saving time and money. The process of photocatalysis works similar to photosythesis. The graphite creates a natural chemical reaction which deteriorates organic matter on the concrete. Making is a superior product which again, saves time and money.

Shingles

3M™ is responsible for this groundbreaking roofing innovation. They discovered and invented asphalt shingles that essentially eat smog. Simply by adding as little as 5% of minerals to their shingle mix. This small adjustment in their recipe has the potential to mitigate air quality at staggering levels. So much so, that Time Magazine called it one of the best inventions of 2018.

You can learn more about these innovations by clicking the links below.

• Asphalt
• Concrete
• Shingles