PSI - Issue 67

Davide di Summa et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 67 (2025) 53–60 Davide di Summa/ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2024) 000 – 000

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4. Conclusions The execution of LCA analysis for both alumina nanofibers and UHPC with alumina nanofibers underscores the substantial environmental impacts associated with both alumina nanofibers and UHPC containing alumina nanofibers, up to the production stage, identifying key areas for improvement. Electricity consumption during the production of alumina nanofibers, primarily due to the disintegrator machinery, stands out as the most significant factor, especially concerning acidification potential, while the impact of aluminium oxide remains minimal, except in cases such as ozone depletion and water scarcity. Conversely, in the UHPC mix, cement and steel fibers dominate the environmental footprint, contributing significantly to global warming potential and eutrophication. Primary focus of this research has been to clearly understand the environmental impacts and benefits when alumina nanofibers are used in concrete shedding a light on the potential consequences and advantages of their application in construction. A natural extension of this research would be to explore the impacts of these materials when considering their potentially enhanced durability compared to traditional alternatives. While such an analysis could yield positive results, demonstrating clear environmental advantages over conventional materials, life cycle costing (LCC) could be instrumental in shaping market penetration strategies. By highlighting long-term cost benefits, LCC would enhance the attractiveness of these products to both consumers and businesses. This approach would allow these materials to be positioned within a more targeted market segment that is increasingly attentive to environmental issues, thereby boosting their appeal in a landscape that prioritizes sustainability.

Acknowledgements

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska -Curie grant agreement No 860006. The authors express their gratitude to Aleksei Tretjakov, R&D Manager of Nafen ™ , for providing all the necessary details

regarding the Nafen ™ nanofibers.

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