Shujian Chen

With the aid of nanoengineering and carbon-based nanomaterials, Dr Chen's research develops new routes for more efficient and sustainable production, manufacturing and design of cement and concrete-based materials and structures. Over the years, He contributed to developing the carbon-based nanoengineered cement, which can significantly reduce Portland cement usage and associated cost and greenhouse gas emissions. Using advanced nano-characterisation and AI, he invented new techniques to understand the behaviour of cement and concrete up from the nanoscale, which helps accelerate the development of better construction materials. Via the application of nanoengineering and advanced characterisation with 3D printing, his research generates novel light-weight multifunctional cement and concrete-based materials that could be life-saving under extreme earthquake and impact events. These new materials have twice the strength as traditional counterparts and can still carry the load under extreme deformation.