Sustainable Concrete Enhancement for USAF: Technical and Commercial Feasibility Study

Enzymatic is developing the Enzymatic Carbon Capture Catalyst (C3), a groundbreaking biological technology that significantly enhances concrete durability, aligning with the US Air Force's (USAF) resilient basing imperatives and sustainability goals. This innovative solution utilizes a patented, engineered version of the enzyme Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) to catalyze the reaction between calcium chloride (CaCl2) and atmospheric CO2, producing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals that fill concrete pores. The resulting concrete exhibits up to 2.5 times increased durability, reduced permeability, and enhanced resistance to rebar corrosion while simultaneously sequestering carbon dioxide.The core of C3 lies in its ability to leverage CA, an enzyme present in all life forms, to initiate a cascade of beneficial reactions within concrete structures. This process not only strengthens the concrete but also contributes to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration. C3 can benefit both existing concrete structures and new pours of concrete.In this Phase I SBIR, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis of current USAF infrastructure challenges and defense needs that can be addressed with C3. The implementation plan encompasses five key objectives: researching and identifying areas within the USAF where the technology will have mission impact, understanding agency-specific concrete applications, developing prototype concepts, iterating with stakeholders, and developing a transition plan.Enzymatic directly addresses critical USAF infrastructure challenges, including aging infrastructure, environmental resilience, operational readiness, and cost reduction. Many AF facilities and runways date back to the 1940s and 50s, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential safety hazards. Our technology enhances concrete's resistance to extreme weather conditions and chemical exposure, improving runway durability and maintaining flight operations while reducing the need for closures due to repairs.The solution aligns seamlessly with the USAF's Operational Imperative No. 5 – Resilient Basing. It emphasizes the need for enhanced runway repair capabilities and facility hardening against various types of threats. Furthermore, Enzymatic’s solution complements the Air Force's Infrastructure Investment Strategy, launched in 2019, which aims to proactively upgrade facilities rather than reactively addressing issues.C3 represents a significant advancement in concrete technology that has the potential to revolutionize USAF infrastructure management. By enhancing durability, reducing maintenance costs, and contributing to sustainability goals, this innovative solution addresses multiple critical needs of the US Air Force while positioning it for future challenges in an ever-changing global landscape.