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Cool Concrete Incorporating Carbonated Periwinkle Shell: A Sustainable Solution for Mitigating Urban Heat Island
Guido Goracci1, Ebtisam Saeed1,2, Mary B Ogundiran1,3
1Centro de Física de Materiales, CSIC-UPV/EHU, P. Manuel de Lardizábal 5, San Sebastián E-20018, Spain.
ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
|February 9, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a sustainable cement using Periwinkle shell powder to combat urban heat islands. The innovative cool material significantly reduces roof temperatures, offering a greener solution for urban cooling.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Sustainable Construction
Background:
- The urban heat island (UHI) effect exacerbates urban heat, leading to increased energy demands and health risks.
- Conventional construction materials contribute to UHI by absorbing and retaining solar radiation.
- There is a critical need for sustainable building materials that mitigate UHI effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, sustainable cement formulation for cool materials.
- To utilize Periwinkle shell powder as a carbonated aggregate for CO2 capture.
- To evaluate the cooling efficiency of the developed cement for urban applications.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of raw materials, including Periwinkle shell powder.
- Evaluation of the carbonation process to quantify CO2 capture efficiency.
- Assessment of the solar reflective properties of the developed cementitious material.
Main Results:
- The carbonation process effectively transformed Periwinkle shell powder into calcite, capturing CO2.
- The resulting cement mixture demonstrated high solar reflectivity.
- Real-world roof tests showed the new cement was 6°C cooler than ordinary Portland cement (OPC) under peak solar radiation.
Conclusions:
- The developed sustainable cement formulation is an effective cool material for mitigating urban heat island effects.
- Periwinkle shell powder offers a viable source for carbon-capturing aggregates in cement production.
- This innovation presents a promising solution for cooler pavements and roofs, reducing energy consumption and enhancing urban sustainability.
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