New lightweight structural material may replace concrete

A new structural material, known as Cenocell, and based on the leftovers, or ash, from coal burning, may be used in future as a substitute for concrete in a broad range of applications. The material is extremely strong and lightweight – but contains no cement, which is an essential ingredient of conventional concrete. 

The main ingredient - ash - is derived from burning coal, and is currently considered a waste product. Fly ash is made up of small particles removed from combustion gases by pollution control systems. 

The new material is considered an asset to the environment and may be used in the following applications: 
Building and construction industry - for sound, crash and fire barriers 
Transportation industry - for shock and crash absorbers 
Aerospace industry - as ultra-light heat shielding 
Protective installations - for fireproof blast walls 

Cenocell is reportedly lighter than most “lightweight” concrete.