Validating low-carbon materials without compromising their long-term performance
In the construction sector, RE2020 is accelerating the integration of materials with a lower carbon footprint into construction projects. For project owners, design offices, architects and manufacturers, the challenge is not limited to showing a better materials life cycle assessment.
It is also necessary to demonstrate that the product retains its functional properties, chemical stability and durability under realistic implementation and aging conditions. Optimizing the carbon balance is an obligation; ensuring the material’s long-term performance is a responsibility.
Characterizing composition and degradation mechanisms
Assessing the durability of low-carbon concrete or the characterization of bio-based materials begins with a thorough understanding of the material.
Chemical and physicochemical analysis make it possible to identify the overall composition, fillers, additives, plasticizers, anti-UV agents, organic and inorganic residues, as well as traces of impurities likely to influence stability. Depending on the issue at hand, chromatography, spectrometry, microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are used to understand the origin of a performance variation or degradation.
Advanced analytical techniques for robust data
Pour étayer une démarche de performance environnementale BTP, le laboratoire s’appuie sur un ensemble de moyens techniques complémentaires : HS-GC/MS pour les composés volatils, GC/MS et LC/HRMS pour les composés semi-volatils et non volatils, ICP-MS et ICP-AES pour les éléments minéraux et métaux lourds, pyrolyse GC/MS pour l’analyse d’additifs, MEB, IRTF et microscopie optique pour l’examen de structure et d’interface.
Ces outils permettent de relier la formulation du matériau à son comportement, d’identifier des marqueurs de vieillissement et de disposer d’éléments objectifs pour les échanges avec bureaux de contrôle et partenaires techniques.
Recognized analytical expertise transferable to innovative materials
FILAB provides recognized expertise in chemical characterization of materials, analysis of organic and inorganic residues, degradation studies, stability and chemical compatibility.
The laboratory has advanced analytical capabilities and a structured quality system, with COFRAC ISO 17025 accreditation for part of its activities and the ability to develop and validate methods adapted to complex issues. This rigor is a key factor in producing credible and reassuring data in innovation contexts.
Laboratory expertise to qualify environmental performance and durability
FILAB supports the validation of innovative construction materials, particularly low-carbon formulations, polymers, composites and bio-based materials, with a rigorous analytical approach. The laboratory designs tailor-made study plans to characterize composition, identify additives and impurities, monitor degradation mechanisms, assess releasable substances and document performance over time.
This approach provides manufacturers and specifiers with actionable technical data for R&D, product qualification and the securing of technical files.
Conducting accelerated aging tests adapted to the intended use
The accelerated aging tests reproduce, in a controlled way, the stresses likely to alter the material: temperature, humidity, chemical exposure, interactions between components or migration of substances. The aim is to compare the initial and aged states in order to measure changes in properties, identify factors of weakness and document the material’s long-term performance.
This testing approach is particularly useful for new materials for which field experience is still limited.
Tailor-made study plans to address RE2020 challenges
Each RE2020 project has its own constraints: material type, intended use, exposure, level of R&D maturity, client expectations and time to market. FILAB therefore defines a tailor-made study plan incorporating the relevant tests and the required level of evidence.
This approach avoids standardized campaigns that are of limited relevance and focuses investigations on the truly critical parameters: thermal inertia, chemical stability, release, compatibility, aging and performance retention.
R&D support focused on decision-making and risk mitigation
Beyond measurement, FILAB acts as a decision-support partner. Support covers test plan definition, identification of material risks, interpretation of results and prioritization of corrective actions. This approach is particularly useful when trade-offs must be made between reducing the carbon footprint, maintaining technical performance and meeting safety requirements.
Material innovation can only be sustainable if it is demonstrated, measured and controlled.
Define, test, compare, secure
To start a study, it is necessary to specify the nature of the material, its end use, the expected performance, the exposure constraints, and the technical questions to be resolved. FILAB can then build a targeted analysis and testing program: life cycle assessment of materials to support technical data, initial characterization, impurity screening, leaching study, stability, compatibility, and accelerated aging.
The goal is to quickly obtain reliable data to compare formulations, strengthen a technical file, or guide product development.
Frequently asked questions
How can the performance of an innovative construction material be secured within the RE2020 framework?
Which tests make it possible to assess the durability of a low-carbon concrete or a bio-based material?
What technical means should be used to document a material’s environmental performance?
Why entrust the validation of new construction materials to FILAB?
How do you launch a laboratory study for a RE2020, low-carbon, or bio-based material?
