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Sustainable Building Features Foster Optimal Indoor Climate
- Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a hygroscopic material to regulate humidity in buildings in a bid to enhance indoor air quality. The material’s capacity to store moisture and then release it back into the air creates a passive solution to humid environments and permits reduced use of mechanical dehumidification systems, which produce significant emissions. The researchers created the material from finely ground material waste from marble quarries and solidified it using geopolymer mixture, including metakaolin. The resulting material was tested and found to outperform traditional clay plaster in both moisture resistance and storage capacity.
- The production and implementation of the components has a climate impact outstripped by the traditional dehumidification processes they would replace, which generated significant emissions and financial cost. Researchers created a prototype wall and ceiling component measuring 20x20cm and 4cm thick using 3D-printing techniques. They found the marble component could reduce moisture-related discomfort index in highly-trafficked rooms by up to 75% compared to basic interior walls. The marble waste used in the process enables a partial closing of the circle, by repurposing waste otherwise headed for landfills.
- The breakthrough technology promises an improvement in indoor environmental sustainability whilst reducing the carbon footprints associated with conventional mechanical dehumidification systems. The material’s creation also aligns with circular economy principles by repurposing marble waste. The researchers intend to refine the production methods to meet market demand and are collaborating with other institutions such as Turin Polytechnic and Aalto University in Finland to produce even more environmentally friendly materials.
- The novel material designed to manage moisture in building environments is created from a hygroscopic substance that offers an alternative to mechanical ventilation systems. The components capture excessive moisture and slowly release it back into the air when improved ventilation conditions arise. They promise enhanced environmental sustainability and reduced carbon footprint in comparison to mechanical dehumidification systems, despite their increased efficacy. Researchers repurposed finely ground waste material from marble quarries, offering an innovative contribution to reducing resource extraction and landfill accumulation.
- The study found that the newly developed components could outperform traditional, well-known materials, such as clay plaster, with their moisture resistance but limited water-vapor storage capacity. Researchers employed a geopolymer mixture including metakaolin, which facilitates the binding of marble powder to form constructible, humidity-regulating building materials. The team 3D-printed a prototype measuring 20x20cm and 4cm thick to demonstrate its potential benefits regarding humidity reduction in highly-trafficked environments.
- The environmental impact of 3D printed super hygroscopic building components has been evaluated at lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional ventilation systems. As such, the technology’s potential extends beyond its initial application in reducing moisture-related discomfort, holding the promise of transforming how we engage with the built environment in a way that makes strides towards climate responsibility.
- ETH Zurich's hygroscopic material created from waste materials promises to improve air quality at low cost in indoor spaces by mitigating the problems arising from high humidity levels. The footprint of mechanical dehumidification systems used to address such issues lies beyond these passive methods, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers are continuously refining the materials and scaling for industrial production. The materials have social implications too, contributing to the creation of a sustainable environment.
- A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has yielded a novel material that absorbs moisture in indoor environments in a bid to manage humidity effectively. The method involves integrating materials into walls and ceilings that capture excess moisture and eventually release it once conditions improve rather than using energy-intensive mechanical ventilation systems. By reducing the carbon footprint associated with these systems, this new material aligns with global sustainability goals. The researchers utilized waste material from marble quarries and a geopolymer mixture containing metakaolin to bind the marble powder into a solid construction material.
- Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a novel material designed to manage humidity in buildings that promises environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprints. The unique approach incorporates a moisture-absorbing, hygroscopic, material that is capable of regulating internal humidity effectively. Traditional mechanical ventilation systems often generate significant emissions and also come with considerable financial costs; passive methods offer enhanced environmental sustainability. The researchers utilized finely ground waste material from marble quarries and a geopolymer mixture containing metakaolin to create a solid construction material that performs exceptionally well as a humidity regulator.
- Researchers have developed a unique approach to humidity regulation in buildings that incorporates a hygroscopic material designed to absorb moisture that can later be released back into the air. Traditional solutions of employing mechanical ventilation systems come with considerable financial and environmental costs. The researchers used finely ground material waste from marble quarries and a geopolymer mixture, including metakaolin to bind the marble powder into a solid construction material that addresses issues of high humidity levels. This zero-emission approach to humidity regulation in buildings aligns with global sustainability goals.
- Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a material designed to manage humidity in busy indoor environments. Excessive humidity can lead to discomfort and health-related issues while traditional solutions often come at considerable financial and environmental costs. The researchers incorporated into walls and ceilings specially developed hygroscopic components that absorb excessive moisture and then slowly release it back into the air when conditions allow for improved ventilation. The innovative methods promise enhanced environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprints. Waste materials from marble quarries, geopolymer mixture including metakaolin, and cutting-edge 3D printing technologies were used to create the prototype.
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