Glowing brick road: Mexican invented photoluminescence cement

Dr. José Carlos Rubio [José Carlos Rubio] of the University of Mexico UMSNH has created cement, from which luminous concrete can be made . Concrete with photoluminescence can accumulate solar energy during the day, and then release it at night for 12 hours. The inventor claims that the strength of such concrete is enough for 100 years of use.

José Carlos began work on his cement 9 years ago. According to him, he realized that there are no similar materials in the world, mainly because concrete is opaque and does not allow light to penetrate through it.


')
When cement is added to water, a hydration process takes place, during which a gel is formed (a structured system consisting of high-molecular and low-molecular substances). But besides this, the material begins to form flakes of crystals, which are a by-product. The inventor worked to eliminate the formation of flakes.

If the cement received by Rubio passes the necessary checks, then walls, buildings and even roads made of it (in those climates that allow it) will be able to accumulate light energy during the day and then glow at night, thus saving a huge amount of electricity.



Rubio argues that, unlike photoluminescent plastics, which decompose from ultraviolet radiation, its cement is sun-resistant and can last for a hundred years. He has already received material in two colors, blue and green. In addition, the maximum brightness of the material can be controlled in its manufacture - so that, for example, the luminous road does not blind drivers.

The inventor patented his cement in Mexico. The invention has already become interested in the Newton Foundation, founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering of Great Britain. The project is at the stage of commercialization. The author explores the possibility of creating a glowing plaster on a similar principle.