EcoCement
Project Overview
About
Conventional cement production generates substantial carbon emissions, while excavated marine clay is costly to dispose of in land-scarce cities. EcoCement combines processed marine clay with calcium-rich carbide slag, an industrial by-product, to create a dry binder that needs only water. A computer modelling framework adjusts the recipe for variations in clay composition, supporting consistent performance without extensive trial and error. Laboratory tests have demonstrated promising strength, while preliminary assessments suggest the material could reduce emissions and costs and turn difficult waste streams into useful construction products.
Team
Ziyang Li
Ziyang Li is a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, with a PhD in Civil Engineering. His research focuses on low-carbon binders, geopolymer materials and sustainable concrete. He has authored and co-authored nine peer-reviewed journal publications covering marine-clay-based binders, sustainable concrete, 3D concrete printing and advanced cementitious materials. His work has received First Prize and a Gold Medal at the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2025, as well as the Best Student Presentation Award at an international net-zero built environment conference.
Junying Lao
Lu Pengrui
I am a PhD student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. My research focuses on low-carbon cementitious materials, biochar-enhanced engineered cementitious composites, and self-healing concrete. Through my research, I aim to develop sustainable and high-performance construction materials that contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improving the durability and resilience of future infrastructure.