Submitted by Paula Block on Fri, 09/05/2025 - 17:30
Join Stephen Hodge from Versarien for this Lunchtime Seminar talk.
Title: Material & Technology Innovations to Support The Path Towards Net Zero
Speaker Bio: Dr Stephen Hodge was appointed Versarien’s CEO in July 2023. He initially joined the board as Chief Technology Officer in 2021. Prior to this, he was Head of Research overseeing the company's graphene and related materials R&D activities in the UK, Spain and South Korea, including participation in the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at the University of Manchester.
Stephen has held post-doctoral research associate positions at the University of Cambridge and at Imperial College London, where he also completed a PhD in Nanomaterial Chemistry. Dr. Hodge is involved in various advisory panels and graphene regulatory committees and was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry's 2022 Rising Star in Industry Award.
Advisory boards/committee memberships:
- Member of the Royce Institute’s 2D Materials Steering Group
- Chairman of the Technical Working Group within the Graphene REACH registration consortium
- Member of the Graphene Flagship’s ECHA/REACH committee
- Member of University of Manchester’s Graphene NowNanoCDT International advisory board
- Alliance Engagement Lead for Versarien in National Highways’ Roads Research Alliance
Talk Abstract: Versarien (AIM:VRS) is an IP-led advanced engineering materials group that utilises proprietary technology to create innovative engineering solutions. Versarien manufactures advanced materials such as graphene and utilises these materials across a number of sectors. This talk will highlight two key product streams in the construction sector.
Firstly, Versarien has developed a water-based graphene admixture (Cementene™) that has been demonstrated to enhance the properties of a number of concrete mix designs, making concrete stronger, more durable and, overall, more sustainable. Trials with pre-cast concrete have demonstrated that 20% of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) can be removed from a typical mix using Cementene™, maintaining the mechanical performance whilst enhancing durability. Versarien is also supporting CementeneTM trials in Brazil through South American partner Montana Química which holds a manufacturing and know-how license agreement for the manufacture of Versarien’s graphene inks and dispersions.
Secondly, Versarien is pioneering 3D construction printing (3DCP) in the UK using a robotic arm type printer. 3DCP has advantages over traditional building methods such as the ability to easily produce complex geometries, thereby increasing design freedom, and the ability to produce slimmer structures containing less material. Overall 3DCP reduces waste, improves resource efficiency and speeds up the construction process. Versarien has previously supplied National Highways with the UK's first 3D printed headwall alongside partners Costain and University of Cambridge and has been contracted as a specialist sub-contractor to deliver the first 3d printed homes in the UK. Versarien has also recently embarked on a commercially funded project by Balfour Beatty to develop 3d printable mortars using local materials that will facilitate the 3DCP industry taking off in the UK.