26 Dec, 2024
Case Study: Enhancing Cement Mortar Strength with Biochar Additives
Posted at 20:51h
in Infrastructure Biochar: Research & Case Studies
Case Study: Enhancing Cement Mortar Strength with Biochar Additives
Relevant biochar characteristics influencing compressive strength of biochar-cement mortars
To address the environmental impact of cement production, a recent study explored the use of biochar as a carbon-negative additive in cement mortars. Researchers successfully replaced 10% of the cement mass with various biochars without compromising, and in many cases improving, the compressive strength of the mortars.
Key Findings:
- By replacing 10% of cement with biochar, mortars maintained or improved their compressive strength.
- The study identified three key biochar characteristics that influence strength: moisture saturation percentage, oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O/C), and soluble silicon content.
- Biochar aids in internal curing, a key mechanism that boosts mortar strength.
Impact:
This research offers a promising approach to reducing CO2 emissions in construction by increasing biochar content in cement mixes without sacrificing performance. These findings open new pathways for utilizing biomass waste in sustainable building materials.