WSU Receives Grant for Breakthrough Concrete Sealer Research Benefiting Local Infrastructure

Washington State University (WSU) has received a $49,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for research on a new concrete sealer. This sealer aims to improve the durability of concrete structures like bridges and pavements by protecting against salt and water damage. The project is led by Professor Xianming Shi and graduate student Zhipeng Li from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Professor Shi and Li have developed a sealer that includes graphene oxide and montmorillonite nanoclay in a potassium methyl siliconate base. Tests show that this sealer repels 44% more salt and 75% more water than traditional sealers. It enhances the concrete's resistance to environmental damage, reduces its permeability, and increases its density.

This research is important due to the aging infrastructure in the United States, especially in areas with severe freeze-and-thaw cycles. The new sealer could extend the life of concrete structures, lower maintenance costs, and decrease environmental impact. Professor Shi suggests that the sealer could lead to longer-lasting concrete with improved performance and lower life-cycle costs.

The grant is part of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust's ongoing support for science and technology in the Pacific Northwest. In the last decade, the Trust has given about $220 million to various projects in Washington through over 1,100 grants. This funding supports innovation for a sustainable future.

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