04/25/2023
Sika has signed an agreement with the University of Cádiz (UCA) to cooperate in the domains of concrete protection, building facades, and industrial processes. The cooperation results from a successful partnership focusing on innovative techniques for the preservation of concrete structures. Now, the UCA and Sika bundle their knowledge to expand these technologies to further areas of application and to open new market potential.
New Technology Enhances the Functionality of Concrete Structures by Enabling Protective Features
The UCA-Sika partnership was formed in the context of InnovaConcrete, a Horizon 2020 project of the research and innovation funding program of the European Union led by UCA with the participation of further partners from 11 different countries. The project focused on the development of innovative techniques for the preservation of 20th century monumental heritage in concrete and obtained the recognition of the European Commission's Innovation Radar. The innovative technologies, designed by the UCA Nanomaterials research group led by Professor Maria J. Mosquera, were specifically developed for treatment of reinforced concrete, together with complementary techniques for all types of cementitious substrates, and tested in different monuments and buildings across Europe.
This new technology enhances the functionality of concrete structures by enabling protective features like protection against ingress of water and oil. Sika now continues to cooperate with the UCA to further develop and expand the functionalities of this surface modifying technology. In concrete protection, the new technology prolongs the durability of concrete structures. Typical areas of application encompass building facades and other concrete surfaces.
Patricia Heidtman, Chief, Innovation and Sustainability Officer and Member of the Sika Group Management, pointed out: “The cooperation between UCA and Sika allows to share knowledge, resources, and skills, leading to high-performance solutions in sustainable construction materials. By working together, innovation can be advanced further and innovative solutions can be developed and implemented faster.”
The Rector of UCA, Francisco Piniella, highlighted the importance and the significance of this agreement as an excellent example of the potential of UCA to lead collaborative initiatives in the field of innovation that are related to sustainability.
Maria Jesús Mosquera, Vice Rector of Research, UCA, and leader of the research: “Both Sika and the UCA stand for cutting-edge research and scientific talent. Together we will benefit from a stream of promising advances in concrete protection and sustainable construction. Our cooperation will have a significant impact on the development of sustainable and resilient buildings and communities around the world.” In addition, Professor Mosquera noted that this collaboration is an effective step towards bringing to market the technical solutions developed in InnovaConcrete.
SIKA ESPAÑA S.A.
Sika Spain was founded in 1954, although its products began to be marketed in 1930. Headquartered in Alcobendas (Madrid), its more than 450 employees are committed to developing and implementing high performance and sustainable solutions across the country. Comprehensive solutions were recently processed in projects is the Stadium Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabéu, and in Metro Madrid.
UNIVERSITY OF CÁDIZ (UCA)
The UCA was founded in 1979 and is one of the most renowned academic institutions in Spain and Europe. Located in Cádiz, in the very south of Europe, it has 21.000 students and 1,500 academic staff. UCA leads the "Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), a strategic alliance of universities, research centers, science and technology parks and innovative companies of the South of Spain, Portugal and the North of Morocco and the European University of the Seas.
