ULM3D, a specialist manufacturer of high-resolution micro-scale 2D and 3D printing systems for industrial and scientific applications, received European FET-Open funding to develop microstructured concrete that will transform a building’s ability to cool naturally . This nanotechnology project, led by MIRACLE – a European consortium of five universities and Microlight3D, has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry and significantly reduce the impact of concrete buildings on the environment.

“By using microstructured concrete, buildings will be able to cool naturally and thus reduce the ‘urban heat islands’ that accumulate in cities during summer heat waves, which can make these spaces unbearable,” said Denis Barbier, co- founder and CEO of ULM3D. “This structural building material, which can cool on its own, will also reduce energy consumption for air conditioning and benefit the climate by lowering CO2 emissions.

The consortium selected Microlight3D for the ability of its 3D micro-printing technology to create ultra-high resolution 3D microstructures, in materials rigid enough to be used as molds for concrete and create microtopographies.

In this project, Microlight3D will use its two-photon polymerization technology to create microstructures that will serve as molds for concrete. This will allow the insertion of steel microfibers within the microtopographic variations created on the surface. In doing so, concrete will be transformed into a photonic metamaterial, converting solar heat into infrared wavelengths which will then be re-emitted into the atmosphere. Photonic meta-concrete is thus able to expel heat from buildings to space without consuming additional energy.

“Microlight3D is proud to participate in a project aimed at creating cities that are more livable and more respectful of the environment”, declared Philippe Paliard, co-founder and responsible for users & applications at Microlight3D. “It is exciting to see that our two-photon curing technology can offer solutions and have a real impact in tackling environmental problems. “