The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) supports companies in developing, testing and scaling advanced construction materials. We work with industry to explore how graphene and other 2D materials can improve cementitious systems, asphalt, coatings, sensing technologies and recycled materials for the built environment.
The GEIC provides an environment that is closer to application and scale-up than a traditional laboratory, allowing companies to develop and validate new construction materials under more realistic testing conditions.
We work with organisations ranging from SMEs to multinational companies across sectors including construction, infrastructure, highways, building materials, coatings, composites and advanced manufacturing.
Our work in cementitious systems focuses on helping graphene suppliers test the suitability of their materials for cementitious applications and supporting concrete suppliers and contractors in exploring the benefits of graphene-enhanced systems. In-house experiments have shown that graphene can deliver improvements in compressive, tensile and flexural strength in concrete, while also accelerating curing times, reducing cracking and reducing water and salt permeation. We also support the pathway from laboratory development to larger site trials and broader industry validation.
Cementitious materials development
The GEIC supports development and testing of low-carbon and advanced cementitious systems for industrial applications.
We work with partners to assess how graphene and other advanced materials can improve concrete and related cementitious systems, supporting feasibility studies, formulation development and industry-led validation activities.
Testing and verification support
Robust testing is essential to understanding performance and supporting market adoption.
Our facilities include a full suite of compression and flexural testing equipment, with tensile and elastic modulus measurement capability, alongside mixing, flow and slump assessment, curing studies and access to wider GEIC characterisation facilities. We use UKAS calibrated equipment to support high-quality and consistent testing.
From lab experiments to site trials
The GEIC helps partners move from in-house materials development towards broader validation in real-world applications.
We support the progression from laboratory-scale experiments to larger site trials, helping companies generate the data and confidence needed to assess performance under more representative conditions.
Asphalt, coatings and functional materials
Construction materials innovation at the GEIC extends beyond cementitious systems.
We support projects in bitumen and asphalt, protective coatings for construction applications, and specialist functional materials where graphene and other 2D materials may offer improvements in durability, barrier performance, resilience and service life.
From innovation to commercialisation
The GEIC works with industry to bridge the gap between materials innovation and practical deployment.
By combining development, testing, characterisation and collaboration with supply chain partners, we help companies de-risk advanced construction materials and move promising technologies towards commercial use.
Full suite of compression and flexural testing equipment with tensile and elastic modulus measurement capability
Support for cementitious materials preparation, workability assessment and curing studies
High-quality testing supported by calibrated equipment and consistent measurement capability
Access to wider GEIC characterisation facilities to assess microstructure, ageing, durability and transport behaviour.
"We help partners explore how graphene and other advanced materials can improve construction materials, supporting development, testing and validation from early-stage experiments through to larger-scale trials."
Dr Lisa ScullionApplication Manager
