‘Advanced material manufacturing is one of many areas in which the country hopes to gain a global edge by addressing local problems with broader market relevance. “Like other densely populated cities,” explains Seeram Ramakrishna, director at the National University of Singapore’s Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, “Singapore needs to find ways to make the best use of its limited space while further improving the quality of life.” He adds, “Advanced materials that meet the requirements of a certain application in terms of strength, durability, self-repair, noise mitigation, thermal management and security, while limiting the use of raw materials, are fundamental to this strategy.”

Economic development means more businesses, more people and thus more buildings. In Asia alone, an estimated 55% of the population will live in cities by 2030. Given Singapore’s dwindling landmass, sustainable long-term growth will depend on going vertical.

ceEntek, a local start-up that makes nano-engineered Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), is a determined pathfinder on this front. Carbon nano-fiber materials have long tantalized the construction industry. These supernaturally robust yet lightweight materials promise taller, more efficiently assembled structures. Until recently, however, engineers toiled to figure out how to homogenously disperse these fibers in a concrete paste. Now, with its new UHPC concoction, ceEntek believes that it’s finally solved the riddle. At half the mass and one-tenth the carbonation rate of normal concrete, UHPC offers superior strength, multi-elemental impermeability and a useful life expectancy of 100+ years.

From bigger skyscrapers and readily transportable prefabricated homes to lagoon cities, material pioneers—like ceEntek—are placing Singapore at the forefront of a looming global battle against overpopulation.’

https://www.scientificamerican.com/products/singapore-a-smart-nation/business-opportunities-ahead/