Characterization of Biochar Bricks to be used as a Construction Material

Abstract

The experimental work on characterization of biochar bricks as a construction material is summarized in this manuscript. This is an important topic to research due to the dearth of knowledge about biochar construction materials and their potential to reduce global warming. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance formed from organic matter decomposition in the absence of oxygen at high temperatures. The use of bio char in a range of applications will help in cutting down CO2 emissions, recycling of organic and plastic waste, and in creation of more jobs. Current applications of bio-char is limited to being used as Soil additives to promote water absorption, plaster to absorb humidity, and energy alternatives to replace fossil fuels. The present study attempts to characterize bio-char bricks for usage in construction. Two types of bio-char bricks were cast and compared to normal concrete bricks. The first set of bricks had 70% biochar and 30% cement, whereas the second set contained 45 percent biochar, 45 percent plastic, and 10% cement. The bricks were characterized using five tests: compressive strength, water absorption, hardness, flammability, and insulation value.