Grafoam AB has developed and patent protected new technology to reinforce high-performance concrete; the Arctic Shield Technology. The fundamental principle is the synergistic effects of nanomaterials; few-layer graphene and tailored ceramic materials. The materials have one or two dimensions at nanoscale. Together, these additives help reduce crack formation and crack propagation in the concrete caused by chemical shrinkage and drying shrinkage upon curing. The concrete becomes stronger, develops an extreme resistance to wear, and an improved frost resistance. Arctic Shield also helps prevent material deterioration from high pressure impact and vibrations.
Arctic Shield makes the concrete denser and stronger. Pore volume, density and various spectroscopic analyses together confirm that crack formation is significantly reduced. Denser concrete is more resistant to freeze/thaw damage and carbonation. One component in the Arctic Shield system is a pore former to further improve frost resistance at significantly lower pore volumes compared to when air entrainment additives are used. With this pore former we can accurately control and optimize pore size distribution for optimal effect.
The technology has been thoroughly verified in numerous cement and concrete products based on Portland cement, Anläggning FA, Byggcement and Cemvision’s Rement. Rement is based on industrial waste materials, slag, and has a very low carbon dioxide footprint. Reinforced with Arctic Shield Technology we believe Rement can be applied in harsh conditions as well. Field trials are planned for fall 2026 and these tests will hopefully confirm this statement.
All components in the Arctic Shield Technology contribute separately to making concrete stronger and more durable, but together they elevate the properties of concrete to new heights. More durable and wear resistant materials will last longer and this will save on both material use and logistical headaches upon refurbishing. We also believe our technology can help increase the use of recycled materials in concrete to further reduce material waste and carbon footprint.
The components making up Arctic Shield are available as pumpable suspensions. All products are available in 60-, 80- or 120-liter HDPE plastic drums or in 1 m3 IBC. With production and warehouse in Sundsvall, we can supply any business in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.