Abstract

In this seminar, I would like to introduce some hints about the synchrotron research on building materials that it has been funded very recently by the European Commission programs at the University of Málaga.

After very brief introduction to cements and concretes, I will describe the main features of the ERC-AdG project (call-2023) ‘syn4cem’ entitled: "Imaging the hydration of low-carbon CEMents with SYNchrotron X-rays". This generous grant is running 2025/01-2029/12 and it has allowed to hire 7 FTE.

Secondly, I will describe the features of the EIC-Pathfinder Challenges project (call-2024, challenge: Towards cement and concrete as a carbon sink “) ‘X-SeeO2’ entitled: " Real-time X-ray diffraction and microstructure imaging: accelerating the transformation of cementitious materials into CO2 sinks". This project will run from 2025/10 to 2029/09. This is an international consortium coordinated by University of Malaga with the participation of University of Bath, University of Manchester and ESRF. I will give some details about the scope of this consortium and its role as the “enabling technology” partner of the portfolio formed by the six grants awarded in this Challenge.

Finally, I will briefly discuss the postdoc funded by the MSCA call of 2024, ‘Syn4WCO2-Cem’ entitled: “Maximising value of construction Waste and CO2 capture for low-carbon CEMent: In situ hydration imaging with SYNchrotron X-ray”. This is a postdoc awarded to Dr. Ning Li (currently at University of Manchester) to come to Univ. of Málaga (2026/01-2027/12). His work in upcycling by carbonation, of fraction of the Construction and Demolition Waste, has allowed to present a proposal for double beamtime (in situ powder diffraction and in situ microtomography) to the ReMade@ARI transnational access call.

In conclusion, I would/will state that European funding schemes can generously support research and innovation. However, it takes time and effort of qualified people to set the processes with chances, as success rates range from 5 to 15%.