Research & Innovation

Lafarge's R&D teams use sophisticated technology to study the microstructure of materials at the nano-scale, in other words, at an infinitely small scale*.

Nanoscale observation techniques make it possible to:

• study the mechanisms of a material's resistance, solidity and durability,
• understand its underlying physical and chemical properties in order to better control and channel them.

Consequently, nanotechnologies can improve product performance and open new perspectives for architects thanks to materials which offer an improved structure and enhanced properties.

Increasing knowledge of materials increases our ability to preserve the planet's resources. For example, optimizing thermal inertia in buildings reduces energy costs and CO2 emissions related to heating and air conditioning.

 

The Group uses state-of-the-art techniques such as atomic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray microscopy.

Research focuses on:

• material hydration processes,
• durability,
• sensitivity to extremes of temperature or humidity.

* Nano-scale: 10^-9

Concrete is particularly difficult to work with because the particles become attracted to each other upon contact with water. The inherent firmness and viscosity of concrete means it is difficult to manage, particularly when a high-quality finish is required.

Superplasticizers are used to enhance the fluidity of the concrete without adding water. These molecules physically separate the grains of cement by neutralizing their force of attraction. Consequently, the concrete remains fluid for over 2 hours and is easier to use, more resistant and longer lasting.

 

See superplasticizers at work in this close-up video.

Water which does not evaporate while concrete is setting creates porosities. These can result in fissures and reduce the strength of the finished material. Granular stacking is a process which improves the compactness and resistance of concrete by reducing porosity.

 

The technique works by replacing part of the water conventionally used to make concrete with fine and ultrafine grains that occupy any spaces between the bigger grains. The result is a more fluid concrete which is more compact when it sets. As the smaller pores can better resist weathering influences, such as water, air and CO2, granular stacking is a means to increase the mechanical characteristics and durability of concrete.

See how it works on video!

At the core of a piece of plasterboard is a hardened liquid paste composed of gypsum, water and additional elements, such as admixtures and foam.

The most delicate stage in the production of a piece of plasterboard is the mixing of the foam and the gypsum paste. The bubbles in the foam tend to merge together, in a process called coalescence. The mixture sets around the remaining air bubbles, giving rise to irregularities in the structure and an uneven distribution of air. The result is a very heterogeneous plasterboard core with reduced technical properties.

Lafarge's scientists have studied the interactions between gypsum paste and foam throughout the production cycle. They have perfected sophisticated techniques which make it possible to control the size, spacing and distribution of the air bubbles. The result is important savings of water and energy throughout the plasterboard production cycles, and plasterboard formulations which offer a wide range of different properties.

 

Discover the technological advances made by Lafarge's researchers!