Scientists Strengthened Calcareous Sand With Enzymes
The bio-composite material enables infrastructure reinforcement without high-temperature firing.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Materials Science
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Researchers from Russia and China have announced a new technology to stabilize calcareous sand using a mixture of enzymes, coconut fibre, and calcium carbonate. This research-stage material demonstrates increased resilience under heavy pressure.
Why it matters
By utilizing local materials and eliminating the need for energy-intensive heat treatment, this approach offers a lower-carbon alternative for ground stabilization. It provides a potential path to harden soil foundations for critical maritime and aviation infrastructure.
The optimized mixture incorporates 0.4 percent coconut fibre combined with equal proportions of fine and coarse sand. This composite achieves a fivefold increase in strength under dynamic loads compared to standard, untreated samples.
The players
South Ural State University
A Russian research institution specializing in advanced materials science and industrial engineering.
Zhejiang University
A Chinese research university focused on civil engineering, materials technology, and sustainable construction.
The details
The technology relies on microbial-induced calcite precipitation, where enzymes facilitate the formation of calcium carbonate to bind sand grains together into a solid matrix. Coconut fibre acts as a structural reinforcement, absorbing energy and preventing the material from shattering under sudden impacts. This method bypasses traditional high-temperature firing, an energy-heavy industrial process usually required to sinter or bake construction materials.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Scientists announced the new sand-strengthening technology.
The Tech Race
This development follows an active research trend aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of structural engineering materials. It challenges conventional methods that require kiln-based hardening by substituting chemical processes with enzyme-mediated reinforcement.
This research potentially affects how engineers design foundations for runways, jetties, and breakwaters in coastal regions. It remains in the research phase, meaning the technology is not yet available for commercial construction projects or immediate application.
The takeaway
The research establishes a successful proof-of-concept for high-strength bio-composite sand that could minimize carbon emissions in major civil engineering projects. Watch for follow-up studies regarding the durability and weathering of this material when deployed in high-moisture maritime environments.
Further reading
Explore ongoing advancements in soil stabilization and bio-composites in Materials Science.
Source note: This article includes information reported by UrduPoint.
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