Microlight3D, a specialty manufacturer of high-resolution micro-scale 2D & 3D printing systems for industrial and scientific applications, was awarded the FET-Open European funding to develop microstructured concrete that will transform the capacity of a building to cool down naturally. This nanotechnology project, led by MIRACLE – a European consortium of five universities and Microlight3D, has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry and considerably lower the impact concrete buildings have on the environment.

“By using microstructured concrete, buildings will be able to cool down naturally and thereby reduce the ‘urban heat islands’ that build up in cities during summer heatwaves, which can make these spaces unbearable,” said Denis Barbier, co-founder & CEO of Microlight3D. “This structural building material, which can cool down by itself, will also reduce the energy consumption used for air conditioning and benefit the climate by lowering CO2 emissions.”

The consortium selected Microlight3D for the ability of its 3D microprinting technology to create 3D microstructures at ultra-high resolution, in materials rigid enough that they can 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 be used as molds for concrete. This will allow steel microfibers to be inserted inside the microtopography variations created at the surface. In doing so, the concrete will be transformed into a photonic metamaterial, converting the solar heat into infrared wavelengths that are then reemitted through the atmosphere. The photonic meta-concrete is thereby able to expel heat from buildings into outer space without consuming any extra energy.

“Microlight3D is proud to participate in a project aimed at creating cities that are more pleasant to live in and more respectful of the environment,” said Philippe Paliard, co-founder and head of users & applications at Microlight3D. “It is exciting to see that our two-photon polymerization technology can offer solutions to, and have a real impact on, combatting environmental issues.”