Copolymer Solution for Metal Oxide Binding Applications

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

We propose a polymer solution that can be mixed with soil/sand on-site where construction is to take place to create a composite building material. The composite material can then be used to produce bricks or as an "ink solution" to 3D print houses. Our chemical knowledge of the covalent bonds that form between the polymer and the solid components of soil/sand allow the composite material to have mechanical properties that are on par with that of concrete. We hope that our technology can serve as an alternative to concrete, although concrete is the most widely used construction material globally, it's production and transport have a catastrophic impact on the environment. Canadians are also facing a housing crisis where increasing construction costs are making homes unaffordable. The housing crisis is not going to go away, with Canada's immigration targets and the influx of international students that stay even after graduation there is a demand for a cheaper and quicker building alternative. Our technology addresses the environmental and cost issues mentioned, because using soil/sand that is found on-site decreases construction costs compared to concrete or lumber, and also reduces the cost and need for transportation of construction materials. Additionally, our composite material when produced, unlike concrete, does not contribute greatly to CO2 emissions. Finally, the ability to 3D print houses would remove costs associated with hiring builders while decreasing the time required to build structures.