A SCOTTISH university is set to make the world greener – and brighter – after discovering how to colour concrete using toner powder from old printer cartridges.
A team from the University of Dundee say they are able to replicate colours within cement pastes and concretes in a move that could transform the look of urban environments and landmarks of the future.
Mixing cyan, yellow, magenta and black recovered toner powder (RTP), researchers were able to produce a range of colours within concrete and cement without affecting the integrity of the finished substance. Tests showed the coloured products to be resilient in dry and wet environments and resistant to ultraviolet light, allowing it to retain its hue over time.
Colour would transform the look of buildings, with the team showing its use on the likes of the Pantheon in Rome, the Sydney Opera House and the V&A Dundee.
“Toner powder is incredibly fine, but cannot be recycled into new cartridges as it becomes contaminated and changes size once it is involved in the printing process,” said Dr Moray Newlands.
“Around 10% of toner remains in a cartridge at the end of its life, so we’ve been looking at ways in which we can utilise it and prevent it being sent to landfill.”
He added: “We have just welcomed the opening of V&A Dundee, a building that has already achieved iconic status and is clad in pre-cast concrete panels. Our research means that in future, architects could add colour to such striking structures.”
While there are coloured concretes on the market, the range is limited by production methods and the excessive cost. The Dundee team say mass production using RTP would be cheaper and allow for a greater range of tints.
Dr Newlands and his team are now working with industry to determine the viability of taking the concept to market.
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