Chinese researchers from the China Building Materials Academy, in collaboration with the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology and a Beijing tech firm, have unveiled a breakthrough in runway safety—an ultra-lightweight foam concrete affectionately nicknamed "marshmallow" concrete. This innovative material, with over 80% porosity and weighing just 200 kg per cubic meter (about a tenth of standard concrete), creates a soft barrier that absorbs the kinetic energy of a hundred-ton aircraft during emergency landings.
What makes this development so exciting? Traditional runway end safety areas (RESAs) like water pools, grass, or sand can be unstable and dependent on weather conditions. In contrast, the marshmallow concrete gently crumbles on impact, effectively decelerating planes without the risks associated with conventional materials. For example, its strength is carefully maintained within a narrow range (0.30 to 0.35 MPa) to match the deceleration requirements of a Boeing 747. 🚀
The researchers achieved this by innovatively "blowing bubbles" into the concrete mix and reinforcing the bubble membranes with a maleated rosin-based twin-chain air-entraining agent—providing a robust "armor" against collapse. Additionally, a dual-stage strength regulation technology ensures that the material remains reliable outdoors, compensating for environmental wear over time.
Awarded second prize for innovation by the China Building Materials Federation, this marshmallow concrete is set to redefine emergency runway design, offering a safer and more dependable solution for aircraft during critical phases of takeoff and landing. ✈️
Reference(s):
Scientists create 'marshmallow' concrete to stop aircraft safely
cgtn.com
