DRT-Sand™ | Revolutionizing Desert Sand through Nanotechnology
The world is currently facing a severe shortage of sand especially river sand, which is a critical material in the construction industry. Meanwhile, desert areas continue to be overlooked despite having enormous potential in terms of quantity, source continuity, and accessibility. DRT‑Sand is the new global solution, transforming desert sand into ready to use construction material using the power of nanotechnology. This innovation opens the door for desert-based countries to utilize their own resources to build cities, infrastructure, and scale toward industrial-grade construction exports.
What is DRT‑Sand?
DRT‑Sand is a technology that applies a “nano-film” coating onto desert sand grains enabling the sand to be water-resistant, dust-repellent, and more bondable. The resulting material can be used either mixed with cement for general structural work or cement-free, using the proprietary DRT‑CoreBond™ binder to form strong panels, blocks, or modules. Additionally, the coated sand can be milled to desired sizes becoming engineered sand to replace natural sand in multiple industries
Core properties of DRT‑Sand™
Particle size can be controlled post-milling. Coating provides a consistent surface finish, Chemically inert with cement and other materials, Non-toxic and VOC-free, Long shelf life without degradation
Highlights:
- Nano-scale coating
- Non-absorbent
- Dust-repellent
- UV and sun-resistant
- Heat-resistant and suitable for harsh environments like deserts or post-disaster zones,
- Compatible with both cement-based and cement-free systems
- Can be milled or molded as needed
- includes other essential field-ready capabilities
Applications:
Formed into blocks or panels for building homes in arid regions. Used in walkways, roads, or light infrastructure in remote areas, Building water retention ponds in deserts or off-grid zones, Used as aggregate in cement industries for slabs, beams, or lightweight structural elements. This material reduces dependence on river sand or imported materials and can be developed into exportable materials from desert areas
Preliminary Testing Results
- Water absorption tests show coated sand remains water-resistant even in humid conditions
- Fire tests on formed DRT‑Sand™ materials show no flame spread or toxic smoke
- Tests in seawater and aquaculture ponds show no degradation and no impact on aquatic life
- Cement mix trials confirm excellent bonding, with no bubbles or cracks
These initial results demonstrate DRT‑Sand’s real-world potential and further lab and field testing is underway
Partnerships & Certifications
DRT‑Sand is currently in development with researchers, universities, and labs abroad.
Focusing on ASTM/ISO certification for construction materials in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Preparing for technical qualification endorsements from environmental and industrial authorities. Collaborating with leading materials and environmental engineering programs in the US and Europe for systematic nano–micro scale testing
Next Development Goals
DRT‑Sand focuses R&D along three main directions:
- Deep testing and global-standard compliance: Expanding testing to cover ASTM, ISO, and target-country standards in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia
- Structural product applications: Developing cement-free modules and blocks from DRT‑Sand for sustainable housing, roads, and water systems in remote areas
- Circular economy integration: Incorporating coated sand into circular economy, e.g., with biomass waste, trash, or industrial by-products to create eco-friendly hybrid materials with export potential.
These aims position DRT‑Sand™ not just as a new material but as a flexible material platform deployable across diverse geographies global Economic Vision as cities worldwide grow and demand for building materials increases countries are seeking sustainable and accessible alternatives. Desert sand, once undervalued, may become a strategic resource for the 21st century in terms of economic opportunity, material security, and self-reliance
DRT‑Sand enables desert-rich nations to locally produce construction materials without relying on imports and export to resource-scarce regions: islands, disaster zones, or emerging border towns. Over the long term, transforming deserts into industrial raw material sources will not only generate massive revenue for host countries but also stabilize global building material markets and foster resilience in global energy, materials, and urban development ecosystems.
Collaboration Opportunities / Research Contact
DRT‑Sand is ready to collaborate with researchers, universities, government agencies, and industrial partners seeking to develop future-ready construction technologies. Want DRT-Sand samples? Interested in using or researching together?
Contact us: DoctorT@drt.co.th, Subject: DRT‑Sand Collaboration
Not just the first step of a new material, but the first step of a civilization born from the desert