Spanish scientists develop energy efficient building bricks using glycerin

In Spain, researchers at the Materials Science Institute in Seville led an international team to develop a method to produce ceramic bricks from a mixture of clay and glycerin in an effort to increase demand for the biodiesel byproduct. Above 100c, glycerin releases CO2 that creates tiny pores in the ceramic material with few interconnections between them. Bricks made with the material have reduced thermal transmission when used in construction that increases energy efficiency due to improved insulation.