THERECOBLOCK™

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Socio-Economics Driver
Science & Technology Driver
Advanced Materials
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 4
Intellectual Property
PI2014701100, TM2014052208

The challenge of providing affordable housing in Malaysia is not merely a matter of cost but also of sustainability and material performance. Traditional bricks are energy-intensive to produce and contribute to environmental degradation through sand mining and high carbon emissions. Simultaneously, Malaysia faces a severe issue with tyre waste management; millions of used tyres are disposed of annually, leading to land and air pollution, mosquito breeding grounds, and fire hazards. The industry lacks a scalable, low-cost solution that integrates sustainable practices with improved building performance. Additionally, the construction sector suffers from high labour and material costs, further restricting the development of affordable housing.

THERECOBLOCK™ presents a practical and impactful solution by converting tyre waste and fly ash into durable, interlocking construction blocks. This innovation not only mitigates landfill growth and environmental hazards but also significantly reduces the overall cost of construction by up to 30%. Its modular design eliminates the need for formworks, plastering, and skilled labour; streamlining construction and reducing manpower dependency. Furthermore, the block’s thermal insulation properties lower indoor temperatures by up to 4°C, resulting in a 21% energy saving in cooling costs. By addressing cost, environmental, and performance challenges simultaneously, THERECOBLOCK™ is set to transform the housing development landscape in Malaysia.

What sets THERECOBLOCK™ apart is its multifunctional design and sustainability-driven composition. Unlike traditional cement bricks, it uses crumb rubber and fly ash as substitutes for sand and cement, respectively. This not only lowers the carbon footprint during production (zero emissions) but also repurposes problematic waste streams. Its interlocking system simplifies construction, reduces material waste, and allows for rapid assembly. With two-hour fire resistance and compressive strength exceeding 10 N/mm², the block is not only safe and reliable but also suitable for load-bearing applications. It also offers superior acoustic insulation; absorbing high-frequency sounds more effectively than conventional concrete.

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