The brick has become the fundamental piece of any construction. Its manufacture doesn't require advanced materials, but it demands a considerable amount of energy, a problem for those regions that rely heavily on non-renewable sources. The MIT seeks to mitigate the negative effects of the brick industry with Eco BLAC, a variant composed of 70 percent waste, which “cures” at room temperature.
The Problem with Traditional Bricks
It is said that the oldest bricks discovered are nearly nine thousand years old. As with other tools, the age of the brick has not diminished its usefulness, and production remains at impressive levels. Take the case of India. MIT calculates that the country keeps more than one hundred thousand kilns active, producing two billion bricks annually. The demand is there… but so are its problems. One hundred thousand high-temperature kilns firing up the consumption of coal and diesel, and the fact that bricks are formed with the clay of the topsoil (which ruins land suitable for cultivation) create a perfect storm of pollution and environmental damage. Stopping brick production would be madness, so an alternative is needed.
Introducing Eco BLAC
MIT believes it has it with its new Eco BLAC brick. At first glance, it is a black block with dimensions similar to those of a normal brick, but its fabrication and composition establish a huge difference. Eco BLAC uses a mixture of ash from paper mills, sodium hydroxide, lime, and a small amount of clay. The ash represents 70 percent of the brick, and since it is a material that is usually discarded as waste, a direct benefit can already be seen. However, there is more: Eco BLAC does not need to be placed in the kiln. Its “curing” is carried out thanks to an “alkaline activation,” and all you have to do is let it rest at room temperature.
What's Next for Eco BLAC?
I imagine traditional brick manufacturers are not too happy with the news of a more eco-friendly and cheaper brick, but there is still a long way to go before seeing Eco BLAC in action. The brick still must undergo strength and durability tests, not to mention the fact that it cannot replace the classic brick in all cases. The project leaders reached an agreement with a paper mill in the Muzaffarnagar district, and if all goes well, a small Eco BLAC brick factory will be installed next to it, to process the ash immediately.
