TACC and NCB partner on graphene-based concrete innovation

TACC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) to accelerate research into graphene-based concrete additives. The partnership aims to improve strength, durability, and sustainability in construction materials.

Graphene – a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice – is prized for its strength, conductivity and resilience. In concrete, these properties have the potential to enhance performance while reducing material use and embodied carbon.

TACC, part of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, specialises in synthetic graphite and graphene derivatives, with a focus on green technologies and scalable industrial applications. The NCB, India’s national research and development body for cement and building materials, brings technical expertise and testing capabilities to the collaboration.

The organisations said their joint programme would explore how graphene can be used to lower embodied carbon in concrete, supporting India’s wider climate commitments and advancing the development of next-generation construction materials.

While the collaboration is centred in India, it reflects a broader global trend. In Canada, Bio Graphene Solutions has recently filed a patent for admixtures combining graphene with natural dispersants to reduce cement content while maintaining strength. Across Europe, research projects are also testing graphene-based enhancements for precast and ready-mix products.

The UK is also at the forefront of graphene research, with the University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute and Cambridge Graphene Centre exploring admixture applications. These hubs have the potential to bring lab-scale breakthroughs into mainstream construction, positioning graphene as a key ingredient in the decarbonisation of concrete.

For UK concrete professionals, these developments underline the international momentum behind graphene innovation. As supply chains adapt to net zero targets, graphene-based additives could soon play a role in delivering stronger, more durable and lower-carbon concretes.