{
  "id": 3713616,
  "title": "UAE has found a way to turn desert sand into bricks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/uae-has-found-a-way-to-turn-desert-sand-into-bricks",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-27T09:28:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/uae-turns-desert-sand-into-construction-bricks-using-a-new-method-developed-by-scientists-that-doesnt-need-additional-heat-to-harden-and-could-reduce-cement-imports/articleshow/133563070.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Arab Emirates is investigating an innovative method to transform its vast desert sand into usable construction bricks, potentially revolutionizing the industry. Researchers from the University of Sharjah have developed bricks that can harden without additional heating, offering a promising alternative to traditional Portland cement-based construction materials.\n\nThe study, published in the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, explored the feasibility of incorporating desert sand into bricks while preserving the necessary strength and durability for construction purposes. Desert sand, abundant across the UAE, presents unique challenges for conventional concrete and construction due to its fine particle composition. To address this issue, the researchers devised a novel approach by combining the sand with alkali-activated binder systems.\n\nThese binders, which can utilize industrial by-products such as fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag, help minimize reliance on ordinary Portland cement. The resulting material underwent rigorous testing to evaluate its mechanical strength, water absorption, and overall durability. A notable finding was that the bricks could be cured under ambient conditions, eliminating the need for additional heating during the hardening process. This feature could significantly reduce energy consumption in the manufacturing of construction materials, particularly when compared to methods requiring elevated temperatures.\n\nThe researchers also assessed the material's resistance to sulfate exposure, a crucial factor for construction environments where sulfate-rich soil or groundwater can accelerate the deterioration of conventional cement-based materials. Remarkably, the alkali-activated desert-sand formulations demonstrated promising durability against sulfate attack, making the material particularly appealing for applications in such environments.\n\nBeyond addressing the immediate need for locally available construction materials, this research suggests broader environmental benefits. Portland cement, a primary component in conventional construction materials, has a significant carbon footprint due to the energy-intensive production process and substantial carbon dioxide emissions. By integrating alkali-activated binders, the UAE could potentially mitigate the environmental impact of construction materials while simultaneously reducing its dependence on conventional cement-based products.\n\nHowever, it is important to note that the researchers have not yet established the commercial viability of these bricks as a direct replacement for traditional bricks or cement-based products. The work is still in the research and testing phase, and further steps, including larger-scale production, cost analysis, and comprehensive environmental assessments, are necessary before widespread adoption can be considered.\n\nDespite these considerations, the study underscores a potentially valuable combination: utilizing locally abundant desert sand, industrial by-products, and a binder that can harden without additional heating. For the UAE, where desert sand is plentiful but construction materials often necessitate significant resources for production and transportation, this approach could ultimately provide a more sustainable and locally sourced alternative. The researchers' work not only offers a novel use for desert sand but also explores the potential for a lower-energy construction process that reduces reliance on conventional Portland cement.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}