Tiny spheres offer potential solution to concrete problem

Materials scientist Rouzbeh Shahsavari and graduate student Sung Hoon Hwang formed the spheres in a solution around nanoscale seeds of a common detergent-like surfactant. According to Rice, the spheres can be prompted to self-assemble into solids that are stronger, harder, more elastic and more durable than Portland cement.

"Cement doesn't have the nicest structure," said Shahsavari, an assistant professor of materials science and nanoengineering. "Cement particles are amorphous and disorganised, which makes it a bit vulnerable to cracks. But with this material, we know what our limits are and we can channel polymers or other materials in between the spheres to control the structure from bottom to top and predict more accurately how it could fracture."

Furthermore, Shahsavari said the spheres are suitable for bone-tissue engineering, insulation, ceramic and composite applications as well as cement. The research appears in Langmuir.

The researchers found they could control the size of the spheres – ranging from 100 to 500 nanometres in diameter - by manipulating surfactants, solutions, concentrations and temperatures during manufacture.