A new generation of mortars and other building materials designed to combine thermal efficiency, mechanical strength and fire protection.
A new generation of mortars and other building materials is being developed to combine thermal efficiency, mechanical strength and passive fire protection.
The construction industry seeks new solutions
The construction sector is changing. Demands for energy efficiency, durability and safety are constantly increasing.
At the same time, the renovation of existing buildings poses new challenges for the materials used in construction. It is against this backdrop that Coreprotect has emerged, a project led by Topeca and co-funded by COMPETE 2030.
The aim is to develop multi-functional building materials. The solution seeks to improve thermal performance and mechanical strength, whilst adding passive fire protection.
The project therefore aims to address different needs through a single approach. The objective is to create materials that are more efficient, durable and suited to existing industrial processes.
When nanotechnology comes into play
Coreprotect uses nanotechnology to introduce new properties into materials already used in construction.
The research focuses on incorporating nanoparticles into cementitious and calcareous matrices. These can be applied to mortars, concrete and renders.
The technology makes it possible to exploit properties that can make a difference to the performance of the materials. These include mechanical strength, thermal behaviour and fire protection.
The challenge now is to take this innovation from the laboratory to industrial application. To this end, the project includes the optimisation of the nanoparticles, production on a pilot and industrial scale, and their integration into different formulations.
Characteristics such as thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, fire behaviour and durability will also be assessed.
From research to the market
This link between science and industry is one of the project’s key strengths. In addition to Topeca, the consortium comprises the University of Coimbra, CeNTI and Smallmatek.
Each partner contributes to different stages of the process. In this way, scientific knowledge is combined with the capacity for development, production and industrial validation.
For César Nunes, Commercial and Marketing Director at Topeca, this collaboration enables the “transformation of disruptive knowledge into real commercial solutions”.
He also highlights the ambition to create “a new generation of multifunctional mortars” capable of meeting the challenges of modern construction.
The technology developed by the University of Coimbra is, meanwhile, protected by an international patent. The next step involves its application in an industrial setting and the creation of products relevant to the market.
Better performance, without compromising sustainability
Coreprotect also aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the construction materials industry.
The project envisages the creation of two new products with high added value. Furthermore, there is a clear ambition to make them marketable and suitable for internationalisation.
Sustainability is also at the heart of this strategy. Materials with better thermal performance can contribute to more efficient buildings. Furthermore, solutions with greater durability can help meet the demands of more sustainable construction.
This vision is in line with the European targets for the green transition and for the renovation of the building stock. At the same time, it reinforces Topeca’s commitment to innovation as the path to sustainable growth.
“The support from COMPETE 2030 is the key driver making this ambition a reality,” emphasises César Nunes. According to him, the funding helps to reduce the risks associated with research and accelerate the transfer of technology to the market.
Coreprotect thus seeks to transform cutting-edge research into concrete solutions for the construction industry. This initiative combines innovation, performance and sustainability and could pave the way for a new generation of materials for the sector.
Find out more about the Coreprotect project and Topeca at the site
Links
Universidade de Coimbra | Website
CeNTI | Website
Smallmatek | Website
29 September 2026
Individual productive investment operations in innovative activities, promoted by SMEs, in low-density territories.