Displaying items by tag: Product
Netherlands: Malvern Panalytical has launched a new version of Aeris, a compact X-ray diffractometer (XRD) product. The supplier said that the upgrade contains capabilities previously seen only in much larger systems. The device provides data from polycrystalline materials at ‘competitive’ speeds. Its operational interface simplifies XRD measurements. Grazing-incidence XRD (GIXRD) will enable the examination of thin films and coatings, while transmission measurements will provide more accurate data that are not affected by sample preparation artefacts.
Product manager Wilijan Vissers said, “I’m very proud that we’re launching our new Aeris – a model that continually raises the bar for powder XRD. By providing the data quality of a floor-standing system in a compact instrument, the new Aeris will enable a wider range of our customers to carry out in-depth materials analysis and optimise their processes – helping push the scientific frontier even further forward.”
Martin Engineering introduces smart belt tensioning system
23 February 2021US: Martin Engineering has launched the N2 Twist tensioner, an autonomous tensioning system that continuously monitors and delivers proper cleaner tension. The company says that the system integrates with its Martin Smart Device Manager software product to alert operators when the blade needs changing or if there is an abnormal condition. It says that this facilitates efficient cleaning, increased safety, reduced labour and a lower cost of operation.
Product development engineer Andrew Timmerman said, “We designed the unit for heavy-duty applications and tested it outdoors in punishing environments and applications. The N2 Twist Tensioner has proven itself to be a rugged and highly effective way to maximise both cleaning efficiency and blade life.”
Cemex UK launches Viabase asphalt concrete
16 February 2021UK: Cemex UK has announced the launch of Viabase, an engineered asphalt concrete. The company says that the product is especially suited to use in residential housing estate roads, where it will be exposed to construction traffic before being surfaced after houses are built. The launch supports the UK government’s drive to increase house building to 300,000units/yr.
Europe regional asphalt, paving and building products director Carl Platt said, “With Viabase, we are pleased to offer a way to ensure the longevity of housing development roads, which standard materials struggle to provide if the surface course is not placed soon after. Viabase provides a highly durable, low maintenance surface which will meet the challenges presented by heavy duty vehicles and prevent long-term problems in the overall pavement construction.”
The company will produce Viabase at all its UK asphalt plants, where it will be available for delivery to customers or collection.
SigmaRoc launches cement-free concrete block
12 February 2021UK: SigmaRoc has launched Greenbloc, a cement-free concrete block. The product reduces emissions by 77% compared to concrete blocks produced with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), corresponding to a reduction of 1.1kg/block.
Chief executive officer Max Vermorken said, "Our Greenbloc range and brand is the brainchild of our innovation and technical teams. It addresses a key challenge in the building products industry - the embodied CO2 in one of the most widely used building materials: the concrete block. Greenbloc is only the start of a range of sustainable alternatives to our product offering as we invest, improve, integrate and innovate."
Holcim Colombia launches Eco cement bag label
08 February 2021Colombia: LafargeHolcim subsidiary Holcim Colombia has launched Eco, a cement bag label detailing products’ CO2 emissions reduction by comparison to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), on its Boyacá Súper Fuerte and Holcim Maestro cements. The La República newspaper has reported that the labels signal the company’s commitment to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C anti-climate change initiative.
Executive president Marco Maccarelli said that the launch is one more step on company’s path towards Net Zero and sustainable construction, engaging the entire value chain.
Holcim Mexico launches Holcim Supra Cement
04 February 2021Mexico: Holcim Mexico has launched its Holcim Supra range of cements. The company says that products contain a unique three-in-one technology for water repellence, construction optimisation and protection against environmental agents. It says that the use of Holcim Supra cements gives buildings greater sustainability compared to normal ordinary Portland cement (OPC).
Commercial Director Francisco Shwortshik said, “The new Holcim Supra Cement family are the latest in the market in innovation, with integrated three-in-one technology especially developed to protect buildings by reducing the passage of moisture in concrete. In addition to maintaining the attributes of the current
Holcim cement and mortar, they contribute to sustainable building by reducing CO2 emissions by up to 13% in the process of construction, which makes it an eco-friendly product.”
Chief executive officer Jaime Hill Tinoco said, "Innovation is key to reaching our goal of zero net emissions; this is why at Holcim México we have the strongest research and development organisation in the industry to present and promote consistently high-quality materials and solutions for our clients across the country - like Holcim Supra, a family of unique products on the market that will change Mexico’s way of building.”
Canada: Lehigh Hanson has launched of EcoCem Plus at its Edmonton cement plant in Alberta. The product is a blended Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) made using inter-grinding clinker, fly ash, limestone and gypsum. It is available in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The subsidiary of Germany-based HeildebergCement says it provides strength and durability while reducing the carbon footprint of concrete.
“The motivation behind the EcoCem brand of products is to reduce the embodied carbon of cement and concrete,” said Shawn McMillan, Vice President, Cement for Lehigh Hanson’s Canada Region. “The introduction of EcoCem Plus to the Prairie market builds on our commitment to providing environmentally responsible types of cement that deliver excellent performance while dramatically reducing CO2 emissions.”
Lehigh Cement has also published product and plant-specific environmental product declarations (EPD) for all of its cement products produced at its Edmonton plant.
Sri Lanka: Insee Cement has extended the concessionary rate for its Sanstha cement product for current and former Sri Lankan armed forces personnel. The Daily FT newspaper has reported that the company first launched the scheme in August 2020.
Insee Cement chairman Nandana Ekanayake said, "We are thrilled to be offering Sri Lanka's most loved homebuilding cement brand Sanstha to all armed forces personnel island-wide.” He continued, “It was important for us to show all servicemen - those active, retired or disabled - our appreciation, as a mark of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices they have made for us, especially during these difficult times."
Cementir Holding to launch calcined clay cement product in 2021
16 December 2020Italy: Caltagirone Group subsidiary Cementir Holding has announced the upcoming launch of its FutureCem grey cement product on 1 January 2021. The company says that it has 30% lower CO2 emissions than normal ordinary Portland cement (OPC). It developed the product in collaboration with its Denmark-based subsidiary Aalborg Portland using 35% limestone and calcined clay to replace clinker. This resulted in a much more sustainable, high grade cement according to the company. It added that the low carbon benefits of FutureCem have been achieved without compromising strength and quality.
Chief sales, marketing and commercial development officer Michele Di Marino said that FutureCem is a ‘giant step’ on the way towards more sustainable cement production. “This is immensely important if we are to achieve our sustainability goals at Cementir Group,” said Di Marino. “But it is also an important contribution to the green transition of the concrete and construction industries in general. Thanks to the efforts of our research and development department in Aalborg, we are ready to begin distributing the FutureCem technology in Denmark and soon other subsidiaries in Europe will follow.” He added, “We have reached an important milestone in our innovation and sustainability efforts, but we are not done. Currently, we are incorporating the technology into more cement types in our product range. This includes white cement, and we have already introduced two white ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) premix types with FutureCem technology.”
Cemex launches Vertua concretes in US
16 December 2020US: Mexico-based Cemex has launched the Vertua range of low and net-zero CO2 concrete products in the US following introductions in Mexico and Europe. The range consists of Vertua Classic, Vertua Plus and Vertua Ultra. The company has begun by selling Vertua Classic – which it says offers a 20–30% reduction in CO2 emissions – in Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, California. Vertua Plus and Vertua Ultra products will be introduced in 2021.
California regional president Francisco Rivera said, “Since many customers are motivated to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects, we are delighted to offer Vertua Classic, which is suitable for a wide range of commercial and residential applications. Our Vertua products are uniquely designed to balance limited carbon specifications with our customers’ needs for high-quality performance and resilience.”