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North Carolina A&T Researchers Develop Building Material From Coal Ash

Researchers at North Carolina A&T have developed a new way to deal with coal ash. The discovery could turn the waste into something useful and economical.

The scientists created what's called an ash composite - it's 65 percent coal ash and 35 percent polyurethane.

The result? A lightweight, inexpensive and durable product that could be used as a building material. And researchers say it's non-toxic, to boot.

NC A&T's Kunigal Shivakumar says the focus now is testing the material's market viability.

“We need to establish a pilot project," Shivakumar says. "That can be done in one year time frame in my opinion.”

Shivakumar has already presented the findings to the state and to Duke Energy.

Bethany joined the staff of WFDD in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University and focused on Anglo-Irish writing. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming Assistant News Director, Bethany was a reporter and Associate Producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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