Meet our Partners: Rtec Instruments

Scientific breakthroughs require more than just a good idea; they require the tools to measure and prove that a process works exactly as intended. Rtec Instruments is the partner providing that precision. As a global leader in surface characterisation, they specialise in combining mechanical and optical techniques to see how materials behave under extreme industrial conditions.

The Role: Setting the Research Foundation

Rtec Instruments acts as the technical architect for the project’s research network. As the coordinator of Work Package 1, they are responsible for establishing the shared methodologies and protocols that all partners follow. This ensures that every experiment conducted across the consortium is consistent and reliable.

Beyond coordination, Rtec is adapting its high-end characterisation equipment specifically for the CILANTRO process. By integrating multiple analytical techniques into a single platform, they allow the team to monitor how limestone transforms into cement minerals in real-time. This bespoke equipment is essential for validating our non-thermal production route and ensuring we successfully avoid $CO_2$ emissions.

Innovation: Seeing the Full Picture

Rtec is known for its modular platforms that measure friction, wear, and hardness from the nano- to the macro-scale. However, the CILANTRO project is pushing these capabilities even further.

For the first time, Rtec is focusing on embedding chemical analysis directly alongside mechanical testing. This integrated approach means we don’t just see if a material is changing; we understand the “how” and “why” behind the chemical shifts. By linking process, structure, and property in one comprehensive view, Rtec helps us confirm that our low-carbon cement meets the same high-quality standards as traditional materials.

The Team Behind the Science

The development of these advanced analytical platforms is led by a dedicated engineering and leadership team:

• Gregory Favaro: Vice President, Rtec-Instruments SA.

• Marcello Conte: Hardware Development Manager.

• Yakob Samanes Krujer: Hardware Development Engineer.

By providing the necessary “eyes” to see deep into the mechanochemical process, Rtec Instruments ensures that CILANTRO’s results are backed by the most precise data available in the industry today.

“CILANTRO allows us to push the boundaries of materials characterisation by merging mechanical testing with chemical analysis. This comprehensive approach is key to validating new, sustainable pathways for the construction industry.” – The Rtec Team