Grauer Star - A Star in Grey

Digital edition 2/2021

Making concrete more sustainable - Catalysis: Making chemical reactions more efficient -Synbiotics: Intestinal influencers

Let's go

Three concrete test pieces, illuminated in blue like steles.

Resource Efficiency

Healing Walls

Concrete is the world’s most important construction material. However, it does more harm to the climate than almost any other product. Researchers all over the world are working to improve this material’s CO2 balance by optimizing its composition. For example, they are using bacteria that can seal small cracks in con- crete on their own and thus prolong the useful life of buildings

Construction worker pouring wet concrete on a road construction site

Data Mining

A Popular Binder

A diagram shows where cement is produced around the world.

Resource Efficiency

The Driving Force

A good idea is not sufficient in itself—it always needs someone who actively promotes it. Someone like Sarah Hintermayer, who resolutely drove the WallCraft project forward

Empty light wood table top with concrete wall background.

Interview

Concrete Missteps or on the Right Path with Wood?

From dwellings to airports, from offices to bridges—the world is building more and more every year. How can we find a way to improve people’s lives by erecting more sustainable structures? Materials scientist and concrete advocate Karen Scrivener joins architect and timber expert Stephan Birk to discuss possible paths towards climate friendly solutions.

Microbiome

In Good Company

Microorganisms are essential for human digestion and many other bodily functions. Researchers at Evonik are investigating how probiotics influence the composition of the gut micro organisms inside human beings and animals

Microbiome

Intestinal Influencers

Diagram: What role do microorganisms play in the gut and how can we positively influence them?

Membranes

Enter Macbeth

Until recently, catalytic membrane reactors have only been able to demonstrate their performance in laboratories, but now they are about to take the stage in a starring role

Foresight

How will the Future taste?

Steaks produced in a bioreactor? Anti-aging agents for dessert? Bacteria that cure cancer? The future of nutrition offers a wide range of opportunities to enhance health and well-being that are worth exploring

One of the most beautiful cities in Italy: Citta Alta of Bergamo. Lombardia, evening sunset and landscape on the old town with cathedral and clock towers

Evonik Country

Italy: Constant Change

When people think of Italy, they usually envision romantic images: the canals of Venice, the Eternal City of Rome, the landscapes of Tuscany. But Italy is more than historical architecture and the Mediterranean lifestyle. A journey through a country that relies equally on innovations and timeless qualities during times of change.

In my Element

“And the aluminum suddenly broke”

Wolfgang “Teddy” de Beer was a child of the Ruhr area. He played 216 competitive matches for Borussia Dortmund and won many titles as a player and goalkeeping coach. Hardly anyone knew the aluminum casing as well as he did – even though he was a trained carpenter.