The company has created a new type of cement by mixing special resins, which makes it possible to construct independent and
compact panels which allow light to go through.
The new i.light® transparent cement –used to build the Italian Pavilion in the 2010 World Expo held in Shanghai from next 1 May–, was presented today in Milan’s Museo Trienale.
The new material was developed by the Italcementi Group, parent company of the Spanish FYM, to meet the needs laid out in the project for the building representing Italy in China during the six months of the international exposition.
“After meeting with the architect Giampaolo Imbrighi, the Project Manager, we took the order to find in a short period of time an innovative and effective solution to make the Italian pavilion’s walls transparent”, explains Giovanni Ferrario, the Italcementi Group’s operations manager. “We have been able to launch a new ‘transparent cement’ thanks to our ample experience in the field of research. Once more, Italcementi Group provides solutions and brings new types of innovation to a sector, that of materials industry, which only seems ‘traditional’. Innovation plays a special role and is increasingly important in the company’s mission.”
The new product, developed in the headquarters’ laboratories in Bergamo, ensures transparency by means of an innovative design mixing cement and additives. This mixture’s excellent properties make it possible to adhere a plastic resin matrix, creating a panel which combines the solidity typical of cement materials and the possibility to filter both inward and outward light. This is the first solution for an industrial application of “transparent cement”.
“The resins are inserted appropriately in cement derivatives, giving a greater transparency than optic fibres which have already been tested in this sector, and also a lower cost since they can be used on large surface areas”, say the researchers.
A total of 3,774 transparent panels made from 189 tonnes of “transparent cement” will cover a surface area of 1,887 square metres, roughly 40% of the pavilion, creating a sequence of light and shadow changing constantly throughout the day. The transparent effect becomes more patent with darkness and, as seen from outside, the building will allow inner lighting to filter through the panels, whereas from inside it will be possible to see changes in luminous intensity throughout the day.
After this first use in the Italian Pavilion, in the future this material may be used as an architectural component with diversified and integrable features, such as inner lighting (light and shadow diffusion techniques).
This choice of transparent cement proves Italian innovation and creativity, as well as the Italcementi Group’s experience and knowledge, which can be seen in the Italian Pavilion and other important architectural projects.
“Everyone is in contact with cement during day-to-day life. The Italcementi Group’s research efforts, with a yearly investment in excess of 13 million euros a year, determine the manufacture of more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and cements. That is the case of transparent constructions, which allow light to penetrate inside”, says Enrico Borgarello, the Italcementi Group’s Innovation Manager.
The cornerstone of the Italcementi Group’s innovation are its laboratories in Bergamo and Paris, where 170 research processes are conducted every day, including chemical, geological and engineering studies. This support of investigation has allowed the filing of over 60 patents in one decade.
The Italcementi Group is currently building its new research centre ITCLab (Innovation and Technology Central Laboratory) in Bergamo. This modern building will be located on an 11,000 m2 surface, of which the laboratory will take up 7,000 m2.
Likewise, the Italcementi Group’s commitment to research has brought about the creation of an international scientific cooperation network. At present, this network brings together 10 research centres, 30 construction companies and industries, and 26 universities from all over the world.
The quality and effective properties of TX Active®, present in innovative constructions all over the world, were also chosen to be present in the Italian Pavilion. This ecologic cement is one of the most avant-garde and top-quality Italian innovations, and will be shown at the Expo from 24 July to 7 August.