๐ Patent of the Week: Stronger Infrastructure is a Greener Infrastructure
A new enhanced corrosion resistant material can open the door for stronger and more resilient infrastructure
YCombinator recently put out a Request for Startups callout and itโs a really interesting lens into the type of startups that theyโd like to support. Itโs worth a read on its own and Iโll be focused for the next few patents on linking it to specific callouts they made. This one is related to their request for startups working on better building materials.
๐ง Whatโs the Big Idea?
At the heart of many structural failures, from the pipes carrying our water to the bridges we drive over, lies a less visible but relentless enemy: bio-corrosion. This phenomenon occurs when microbial life, particularly bacteria, interacts with and degrades materials like metal and concrete. It's a problem as old as time, but the solution might just be from the future. Dr. Roghanian and Prof. Banthia from The University of British Columbia have developed a structural material composition that could redefine the durability of modern infrastructure. Their creation? A geopolymer matrix embedded with antibacterial agents, designed to combat bio-corrosion head-on.
๐ Why It Matters
Bio-corrosion isn't just a nuisance; it's a significant threat to the longevity and safety of our infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and premature replacements. Traditional approaches to tackling this issue have often fallen short, either due to their environmental impact or their lack of long-term effectiveness. Enter the geopolymer composition: a blend of alumina silicate source, alkaline activator, and strategically encapsulated antibacterial agents. By making our infrastructure more resistant to bio-corrosion, we're not only saving money in the long run but also solving for sustainable development practices that lessen our environmental footprint.
๐ Stage of Development
This technology has moved beyond the theoretical and is ready for practical applications. With patents filed in both the United States and Canada, the technology is ready for commercialization.
๐ค Interested?
Reach out to University of British Columbiaโs office via this link.
๐ The Details
Research Page: ISEDโs ExploreIP Invention Page
Patent Status: WIPO Issued Patent
Inventors: ROGHANIAN, Negar; BANTHIA, Nemkumar
๐จ About the artist
Nikolai Lutohin, a Yugoslavian artist known for his futuristic cityscapes and landscapes. Nikolai is one of my favorite sci-fi artists, his work is mind blowingly imaginative and deep.