Soundblox Carbstone absorbs sound and CO2

The Next level building block combines the positive features of Concrete & Steel into a unique product that is completely Circular, Cement-free and CO2 negative.

Sounblox acoustic concrete blocks have been a trusted weapon in the fight against noise pollution for years. These acoustic concrete blocks are the ideal solution for acoustic climate control where important aspects such as acoustics (both sound absorption and sound insulation) and fire resistance can be combined in one structural wall. But what does this have to do with steel? And how do steel and concrete fit into a sustainable solution?

Soundblox can now be produced using a revolutionary production method, namely the Carbstone carbonation method in which CO2 is specially extracted from the air and used in production. As a result, these blocks absorb not only sound but also CO2, thus intrinsically contributing to a better world. Moreover, after installation (in the open air) they continue to absorb CO2, hardening even further and increasing their bearing capacity even further. The production process also makes maximum use of available solar energy to further reduce the ecological footprint of the production process.

A contemporary and sustainable production method involves the reuse of (residual) materials. That is why Soundblox are produced using steel slag, which would otherwise no longer have any industrial use. The great thing is that this now creates a new and very high-quality material, using CO2 as a binding agent and making cement completely unnecessary. With this material, Soundblox acoustic lures but also regular building blocks can be produced, which have the advantages of concrete but no longer the ecological disadvantages. Thus steel fits into a sustainable economy, greatly reducing the CO2 foot print.

These new Soundblox Carbstone have the same appearance as traditional concrete blocks, with the same characteristic and familiar Helmholtz resonators, designed to absorb sound and reduce reverberation. Soundblox Carbstone thus retains the sound absorbing and insulating properties and has the same density, robustness and fire resistance as traditional Soundblox, made of concrete. But without the ecological disadvantages of concrete.

Revolutionary Technology

How exactly does it work? Carbonation is the natural process by which CA-containing materials react with cooxygen dioxide and transform into calcium carbonate, better known as limestone, which occurs in subsurface soils worldwide and is a major source of CO2 storage. In addition to CO2, it also requires a source of calcium oxide, in this case slag. Slag is the byproduct from steel production. With the help of CO2, these valorized slag can be converted into high-quality building materials.

After production, these blocks are put into a special CO2 chamber, where they are cured within 24 hours with minimal use of energy.