Building Stronger Foundations: MSE Professor Jeff Youngblood Advances Cement Resilience with Purdue Cellulose Innovation
Prof. Youngblood's research has increased cement's strength and resilience by integrating patent-pending chemically modified cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers that he has developed. Mechanical tests show a 30% increase in concrete’s flexural strength, or the ability to resist bending when an external force is applied when 0.2% volume of the nanocellulose is integrated. The applications for the Purdue innovation include road, bridge, and building construction.