Biochar-Added Cementitious Materials—A Review on Mechanical, Thermal, and Environmental Properties

Abstract

The enhanced carbon footprint of the construction sector has created the need for CO2 emission control and mitigation. CO2 emissions in the construction sector are influenced by a variety of factors, including raw material preparation, cement production, and, most notably, the construction process. Thus, using biobased constituents in cement could reduce CO2 emissions. However, biobased constituents can degrade and have a negative impact on cement performance. Recently, carbonised biomass known as biochar has been found to be an effective partial replacement for cement. Various studies have reported improved mechanical strength and thermal properties with the inclusion of biochar in concrete. To comprehend the properties of biochar-added cementitious materials, the properties of biochar and their effect on concrete need to be examined. This review provides a critical examination of the mechanical and thermal properties of biochar and biochar-added cementitious materials. The study also covers biochar’s life cycle assessment and economic benefits. Overall, the purpose of this review article is to provide a means for researchers in the relevant field to gain a deeper understanding of the innate properties of biochar imparted into biochar-added cementitious materials for property enhancement and reduction of CO2 emissions.

Sustainable biochar: A facile strategy for soil and environmental restoration, energy generation, mitigation of global climate change and circular bioeconomy

“…Biochar emerges as a carbon negative source that has been incorporated in suitable proportions with the cement for construction purpose and acts as a partial replacement of cement. It is reported that biochar enhances the mechanical strength and thermal properties of the concrete, thereby reducing the CO2 emissions (Mensah et al, 2021).…”

Organic waste valorisation towards circular and sustainable biocomposites

“…In this sense, the feasibility of utilizing bio-waste as a potential filler material for cement was also considered: different amounts of eggshell powder (0, 5%, 10% and 15% by weight) were adopted to replace cement, and the authors found that calcium carbonate in the biowaste can react with the aluminium phase in the cement to produce monocarboaluminate; they also concluded that the replacement level of 5% provides the best performance and reduces environmental pollution. 228,229 Biowaste can also be thermally converted into char by pyrolysis treatment and subsequently introduced into cementitious matrix-forming cement-based composites (Fig. 12).…”

Effect of alkaline treatment on physical, structural, mechanical and thermal properties of Bambusa tulda (Northeast Indian species) based sustainable green composites

“…According to this data, the global biocomposites industry is expected to have a large market. [ 7,8 ]…”

“…According to this data, the global biocomposites industry is expected to have a large market. [7,8] Natural fiber, which is derived from plants or animals, is the best reinforcing material for biocomposites. The fibers such as bamboo, coir, hemp, jute, banana, flax, kenaf, sisal, pineapple leaf, and ramie extracted from various parts of the plants can be used in bio-polymer as reinforcing materials.…”