r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Nov 03 '19

Chemistry Scientists replaced 40 percent of cement with rice husk cinder, limestone crushing waste, and silica sand, giving concrete a rubber-like quality, six to nine times more crack-resistant than regular concrete. It self-seals, replaces cement with plentiful waste products, and should be cheaper to use.

https://newatlas.com/materials/rubbery-crack-resistant-cement/
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u/ljb23 Nov 03 '19

This should have a significant environmental upside too right? Traditional concrete is very emissions intensive to manufacture.

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u/FredFlintston3 Nov 03 '19

But who has rice husks? Is there an enviro upside if you ship that from afar?

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u/5757co Nov 03 '19

There are likely other organic byproducts that could be substituted for rice husks.

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u/ljb23 Nov 03 '19

Good point - would I be right in assuming rice production/processing is heavily centred in SE Asia? May be an issue unless similar organic material is a suitable substitute.

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u/All_Work_All_Play Nov 03 '19

Yes. It's not like you don't ship the other constituents... And in about three years you can grow rice anywhere.