The Nanostructured Polymers and Gels Group from ICTP has carried out the rheological characterization of the thickening materials to facilitate the extraction of sludge in garages after the DANA. These materials have been developed by researchers from the CENIM and the IETCC of the CSIC within the framework of the CSIC emergency advisory group, in which more than 150 researchers have participated in the scientific-technical advisory tasks to support the recovery work after the flood.
The rheological study carried out allows optimizing the composition of the various thickening materials that, when applied to the sludge accumulated in the garages, facilitate its extraction using pumping techniques. This innovative technology not only speeds up the cleaning process, but also reduces the risks associated with handling large volumes of water and mud. The materials that are being used result from the mixture of a polymer with absorbent capacity and a clay, donated by the companies Cemex and Tolsa. These materials allow the sludge to be transformed into a denser substance, which favors its handling and transportation.
