Dr. Demetris Nicolaides, the Project Coordinator of DEFEAT, delivered a comprehensive presentation titled "Advancements in Blast and Fire-resistant Composite Materials" at the College of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, on October 17, 2023. This session provided a detailed overview of recent breakthroughs in the realm of fire-resistant composite materials.

The research approach fundamentally involves the utilization of industrial waste products and by-products, forming the basis for developing these innovative fire-resistant materials. This dual-purpose strategy not only streamlines production costs but also adheres to the principles of sustainability and a circular economy. Additionally, it capitalizes on geopolymerisation technology, resulting in both environmental and economic advantages.
The key focus lies in optimizing Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concretes (UHPFRCs) to enhance their resistance against impacts and blasts. This cutting-edge approach showcases a promising direction in advancing safety and durability in structural applications.