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Ancient-fossil bioconcrete traps 142% more carbon – and it’s strong as hell


Using intricate geometry found in nature and refined through aerospace and biomedical design, scientists have now 3D-printed these forms into concrete to boost strength and capture carbon – creating a scalable building material that benefits both people and planet.

Using intricate geometry found in nature and refined through aerospace and biomedical design, scientists have now 3D-printed these forms into concrete to boost strength and capture carbon – creating a scalable building material that benefits both people and planet. Its "secret recipe" is built around diatomaceous earth (DE), a naturally occurring, powdery substance that's made from the fossilized remains of diatoms – small, hard-shelled ancient algae. During testing, the UPenn team found that its experimental design achieved “an additional 30% higher CO2 conversion” when the geometry was even further refined, and it did so while maintaining strength similar to traditional concrete.

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