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Luminescent cement promises to revolutionize urban lighting, offering sustainable and innovative solutions for cities.
Mexican scientist José Carlos Rubio Ávalos, from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, developed a luminescent cement An innovative new product that could change the way cities manage urban lighting. This special cement can absorb ultraviolet light from the sun during the day and emit it as light at night, creating a new solution for lighting in cities. Ávalos’ research was nominated for Mexico’s national science award, highlighting the impact of luminescent cement on buildings and urban lighting.
How does luminescent cement work in urban lighting?
Luminescent cement is the result of a unique process of manufacture, where the scientist changes the structure of traditional cement.
By removing certain crystals formed during manufacturing, cement is able to absorb sunlight without reflecting it.
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This allows light to be stored and emitted at night, providing natural and sustainable lighting in cities.
Cement can glow in different colors, such as blue, green, white, red and purple, depending on the formulation.
The durability of the luminescence is at least 100 years, making luminescent cement an advantageous option for long-term urban lighting.
Applications of the invention in cities
Luminescent cement can be used in various areas of cities, offering natural lighting that complements or even replaces electric lights.
Among the possible applications There are cycle paths and roads, which can benefit from cement to improve visibility and safety.
Projects such as the Roosengaarde motorway in the Netherlands already use this cement to ensure efficient lighting without relying on electrical sources.
The use of luminescent cement in cities can reduce the need for conventional public lighting, contributing to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Additionally, organizations such as Doctors Without Borders have also shown interest in using luminescent cement in areas where electricity is scarce.
The NGO proposed using the material in public bathrooms, especially in places where the lack of electric lighting poses a risk to women's safety.
This type of cement application can help improve urban infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas, as well as providing a sustainable solution for lighting.
Material challenges and costs
Despite the great advantages of luminescent cement, its production still faces challenges.
The manufacturing process is more complex and expensive than traditional cement, making luminescent cement up to five times more expensive to produce.
To meet growing demand, Ávalos is building a pilot factory, but still needs more resources to complete the project.
Cement production also requires significant investment, as a 1 square meter piece measuring 3 millimeters thick costs between US$60 and US$70.
Despite the costs, cement offers great potential for use in different parts of cities.
It is not necessary to cover the entire structure of a building or street with luminescent cement for it to emit light.
Even a thin layer can be enough to generate effective lighting.
Although the initial cost is higher, the long-term benefits, such as energy savings and material durability, may justify the investment, especially in areas where electric lighting is limited or unsustainable.
The future of urban lighting with luminescent cement
Luminescent cement is proving to be an alternative RESERCH for urban lighting.
With its ability to absorb sunlight and emit it at night, this material can reduce dependence on electric light sources in cities and bring significant benefits to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Adapting cement in cities represents a way of reimagining urban lighting, especially in places that face difficulties in supplying electricity.
As cement production evolves and costs decrease, luminescent cement is expected to become a common solution for lighting cities in a more sustainable and cost-effective way.
Wonderful technology, it will undoubtedly bring great benefits to humanity in general. Congratulations to the talented and enlightened scientist, I am interested in this technology.