Progressive Planet Solutions Inc (TSX-V:PLAN). has announced excellent results from Phase 2 and the final PozGlass SCM testing completed by third-party C&CS Atlantic.
Progress Planet said two different proprietary blends of PozGlass SCM (each containing a different ratio of recovered post-consumer glass and natural pozzolans) were tested in combination with Portland Cement.
The company added that final test report results demonstrated that PozGlass added enhanced compressive strength and durability, excellent chloride permeability (RCP testing), and resistance to acidic soil degradation well within accepted industry guidelines.
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The testing was completed under the direction of Dr. Michael Thomas, a professor at the University of New Brunswick who has authored the book "Supplementary Cementing Materials in Concrete" and more than 200 technical papers and reports.
"Progressive Planet is ecstatic with these test results, as Dr. Thomas' independent findings help to solidify our plans to commercially launch PozGlass SCM and give us great confidence as we further explore ready-mix and precast concrete supply chain opportunities," said Progressive Planet CEO Steve Harpur in a statement.
"Our next steps will include identifying and procuring a long-term supply of glass in Western Canada and finding an optimal location that will support a commercial plant build and PozGlass SCM production."
Dr. Thomas designed a thorough review program, which tested two blended samples containing PozGlass SCM along with a third individual sample containing only Portland Cement. Two of the mortar mixes substituted 25% of the Portland Cement for PozGlass of equivalent weight. The third mortar mix (the control mix) contained only Portland Cement.
Progressive Planet said the test results showed the mortar bars produced from the two mortar mixes expanded 0.03% and 0.02%, respectively, after six months. Expansion less than 0.05% at six months indicates a mortar with high-level of sulfate resistance (less than 0.10% at six months indicates moderate sulfate resistance).
"After 180 days, we have conclusive third-party proof that PozGlass is very effective at resisting degradation in concrete used below ground level in acidic soils," Harpur said. "We now have the full package -- an environmentally friendly and economically attractive solution to fly ash, that also enhances performance. PLAN has just taken a giant step closer toward securing and helping future customers meet their own sustainability targets by reducing the carbon footprint of cement."
The company said it intends to supply the cement industry with PozGlass SCM as a superior replacement to fly ash. Fly ash is created as a by-product of burning coal to make electricity, but all coal-fired power plants in Canada are mandated to shut down by December 2029, marking the end of fly ash.
And it continues work on creating supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) with a focus on:
- Minimizing the carbon footprint of the SCMs it creates
- Utilizing waste materials where possible to create the most sustainable SCMs
- Sequestering CO2 in SCMs to address climate change
Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com
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