PUCV students develop technical grout from industrial waste

Students from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) have developed Kimova, a technical grout designed for construction using expanded polystyrene (EPS) industrial waste. The project, which won the university’s ‘Talento Innovador’ award, aims to repurpose EPS, a material that is difficult to transport and value due to its high volume of waste.

Unlike standard residential grout used for aesthetics, Kimova is engineered to withstand extreme conditions. The technical grout features a polymeric matrix that provides water resistance, preventing mold growth and moisture stains. To address seismic activity in Chile, the mixture includes crushed rubber to provide flexibility and vibration resistance, while concrete powder is added to ensure proper application consistency.