A graphene concrete additive is a small amount of graphene, supplied in a liquid, that is added to a concrete mix. Our additive is a graphene concentrate validated at 5% by weight of cement (loading depends on mix design; see TDS). In independent third-party testing in 2023 it gave a 67.7% gain in compressive strength and increased water resistance by 25%. This article explains what those numbers mean, what they do not mean, and how a concrete producer can test the additive in its own mix. For background, see what graphene is.
What compressive strength measures
Compressive strength is how much load concrete can carry before it crushes. It is usually measured by crushing test cylinders or cubes made from the mix after a set curing time. Higher compressive strength gives designers more options, but any change to a mix design, or to the amount of concrete in a project, should be confirmed by the project engineer with testing on that mix.
What we measured
- Compressive strength: a 67.7% gain in independent third-party testing in 2023, with our graphene concentrate at 5% by weight of cement.
- Water resistance: a 25% increase for concrete with 5% graphene. Water resistance matters for structures exposed to water and weather, such as bridges, roads and sea walls.
These are laboratory results. Results depend on the cement, aggregates, water-cement ratio and curing, and long-term field durability still has to be shown project by project. We do not publish field-durability claims.
How the additive is used
The additive is a liquid concentrate that is compatible with water, so it is added with the mix. It is supplied ready to add, so it fits existing batching and mixing. Because graphene is already dispersed in the liquid, there is no dry graphene powder to handle. Follow the mixing, storage and safety instructions on the spec sheet and SDS supplied with each product.
How to test it in your own mix
- Choose a baseline mix design you already use and know well.
- Request samples and a spec sheet. We suggest a starting dose and quote R&D samples.
- Cast test specimens with and without the additive, using the same materials, water-cement ratio and curing.
- Compare strength and water uptake at the ages you normally test.
- Share the results with your project engineer before you change a design.
Where graphene concrete is being applied
We have focused our concrete work on applications where strength and water resistance both matter, including concrete sea walls. We work with concrete producers who want to test graphene in their own mixes. Reinforcement is a separate effort: graphene rebar is in development and is not a product yet, so we make no claims about it.
See the full graphene concrete additive page and the concrete additive press release, or read about graphene in construction.
Frequently asked questions
How much graphene concrete additive do I add?
Our concentrate is validated at 5% by weight of cement (loading depends on mix design; see TDS) in our testing. We confirm a starting dose with you for your own mix design.
Does graphene make concrete stronger?
In independent third-party testing in 2023, our graphene concentrate at 5% by weight of cement gave a 67.7% gain in compressive strength. Results depend on the cement, aggregates, water-cement ratio and curing, so we test in your mix.
Is graphene rebar available?
No. Graphene rebar is in development and is not a product yet.
Request a quote, samples or a spec sheet
Tell us your material, the property you want to improve, the carrier you use (water, solvent, resin or oil) and your volumes. Pricing and samples are by quote. Call 704-659-3682 or request a quote, samples or a spec sheet / SDS.
