Eco-friendly Construction Material Research Articles

Durability analysis of metakaolin recycled concrete under sulphate dry and wet cycle

This study aims to enhance the durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of recycled fine aggregate concrete (RFAC) subjected to the combined effects of wet-dry cycles and sulfate erosion. Dry–wet cycle tests were conducted in RFAC with different admixtures of biotite metakaolin (MK) and 15% fly ash (FA) mix (M) under 5% sulfate erosion environment. The effect of 0%, 30%, 60% and 90% recycled fine aggregate (RFA) replacement of natural fine aggregate on mass loss, cubic compressive strength, relative dynamic modulus test of RFAC, damage modeling and prediction of damage life of concrete were investigated. The results showed that the concrete cubic compressive strength and relative dynamic modulus were optimal for recycled concrete at 15% MK biotite dosing and 60% RFA substitution, and its maximum service life was accurately predicted to be about 578 cycles under 5% sulfate dry–wet cycling using Weibull function model. This study is pioneering in addressing the durability of RFAC under sulfate attack combined with wet-dry cycling, employing a novel approach of incorporating MK and FA into RFAC. The findings highlight the practical application potential for using MK and FA in RFAC to produce durable and sustainable construction materials, particularly in sulfate-exposed environments. This research addresses a critical challenge in the construction industry, providing valuable insights for developing more durable and eco-friendly construction materials and contributing to long-term sustainability goals.

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Mycelium Composite for Innovative and Sustainable Construction Materials

Fiber-reinforced mycelium (FRM) composites offer an innovative and sustainable approach to construction materials for architectural structures. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be combined with various natural fibers (NF) to create a strong and lightweight material with environmental benefits. Incorporating NF like hemp, jute, or bamboo into the mycelium matrix enhances mechanical properties. This combination results in a composite that boasts enhanced strength, flexibility, and durability. Natural FRM composites offer sustainability through the utilization of agricultural waste, reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional construction materials. Additionally, the lightweight yet strong nature of the resulting material makes it versatile for various construction applications, while its inherent insulation properties contribute to improved energy efficiency in buildings. Developing and adopting natural FRM composites showcases a promising step towards sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. Ongoing research and collaboration between scientists, engineers, and the construction industry will likely lead to further improvements and expanded applications. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research and applications of natural FRM composites for innovative and sustainable construction materials. Additionally, the paper reviews the mechanical properties and potential impacts of these natural FRM composites in the context of sustainable architectural construction practices. Recently, the applicability of mycelium-based materials has extended beyond their original domains of biology and mycology to architecture.

Shedding Light on Financial Sustainability: Analyzing the Economic Implications of Energy-Efficient Lighting in the Construction Industry

Energy is widely recognized as a critical production factor across numerous industries. Energy efficiency is a method by which the expansion of energy consumption is managed and restrained. The main goal of this research is to investigate the financial implications of energy-efficient lighting in the building sector.The objectives of the paper were to: evaluate the current adoption and market share of energy-efficient lighting technologies in the construction sector, assess the economic impact of energy-efficient lighting, including cost-effectiveness, potential energy savings, and greenhouse gas emission reductions, analyze the effects of energy-efficient lighting on worker safety, productivity, and overall project costs in the construction sector, identify barriers to adoption and recommend policy changes and incentives to promote the widespread use of energy-efficient lighting in the construction sector in Pakistan.The methodology of the research follows the quantitative approach, data which was used to achieve the objectives includes literature, data sources, and project details on the construction industry from 2015 to 2021. Literature analysis and Data metrics were used to analyze of data.Studies found that energy-efficient lighting not only provides significant long-term cost savings but also improves environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Further, the literature analysis shows the beneficial relationship between adequate lighting and improved worker well-being as well as project efficiency, even though empirical data on these topics may be scarce.The study suggested that to overcome barriers and optimize the advantages of energy-efficient lighting, it is important to increase knowledge, provide financial incentives, improve access to eco-friendly construction materials, and strengthen compliance with building energy codes.

Recycled Household Plastic and Oil Palm Filler Reinforced Epoxy Composite for Lightweight Construction Applications

Polypropylene is extensively used in aerospace, automotive and construction applications due to its versatile properties. This project aims to reduce plastic and oil palm waste and promote the development of strong, sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. The objective of this project is to develop a sustainable yet high-performance construction material by incorporating polypropylene particles, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibres and oil palm shell (OPS) particles into epoxy composites through the hand lay-up method. The composite specimens undergo ASTM D638 tensile test to determine the tensile properties. The addition of PP particles in varying weights shows decrease in tensile strength, likely due to poor dispersion and compatibility with the epoxy matrix. Incorporating 3 wt% OPEFB fibres with fibre length from 2mm to 4mm improves tensile strength by 2.32% and 23.36% respectively at higher PP particle loadings which are 15 wt% and 25 wt%. Adding 1 wt% and 3 wt% OPS particles improves the tensile strength by 2.96% and 4.68% respectively, in composites with 10 wt% PP particles and 3 wt% OPEFB fibres. The tensile performance may be improved by treating PP particles with compatibilizers such as silane or maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene.

Elevating thermal comfort with eco-friendly concrete roof tiles crafted from municipal solid waste

Developing eco-friendly construction materials is imperative from an energy and environmental standpoint. This technical study investigates the sustainable utilization of municipal solid waste incinerated fly ash (MSWIFA) as a substitute for M-sand in construction materials. This study primarily focuses on reducing landfill waste and promoting waste reuse in the construction sector. This study evaluates various thermo-physical properties of MSWIFA-based concrete, including solar reflectance index, slip and skid resistance, straightness, flatness, rectangularity, water absorption, wet transfer, and thermal performance metrics such as heat flow values for thermal comfort and solar emissivity. The proposed concrete tiles have suitable thermal emissivity (0.87), solar reflectance (0.8), and solar absorption (0.26), which are appropriate for eco-friendly building techniques. The use of MSWIFA tiles lowered the indoor temperature by 2 °C when compared to conventional roof tiles at similar ambient conditions. MSWIFA-based concrete roof tiles are promising in terms of thermal comfort, energy efficiency, environmental conservation and waste reduction and promote a more sustainable approach in the construction industry. This research emphasizes the potential of waste-to-resource strategies in achieving sustainable development goals and reducing the ecological footprint of construction materials.

Sustainable application of waste eggshell as fillers in alkali-activated solid waste-based materials: Varying treated methods and particle sizes

The incorporation of waste eggshells as fillers in construction materials is currently constrained by factors such as shell-membrane separation, particle size, and proportion of incorporation. This study aims to assess the feasibility of utilizing non-calcined eggshell particles (EPs) in alkali-activated solid waste-based materials. Initially, the micro characteristics of water-treated and alkali-treated eggshells were evaluated. Subsequently, nine groups of alkali-activated slag-based paste samples were prepared by using EPs as fillers, and the influence of the particles on the physical and mechanical properties of the materials was assessed based on flowability, density, and compressive strength. Furthermore, the impact of shell-membrane separation and particle size on the microstructure and composition of the alkali-activated materials (AAMs) was characterized by using a combination of SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, and TG-DSC techniques. Finally, six groups of alkali-activated slag-red mud-fly ash-based mortar samples were prepared with EPs as fillers, which demonstrates the feasibility of EPs in multi-waste-based materials and expands the application range of non-calcined eggshells. The results show that water treatment and alkali treatment of EPs provide viable methods for shell-membrane separation, albeit with some loss of fine particles. The physical filling of membranes in AAMs does not affect the chemical composition. The EPs (with a particle size less than 0.5 mm) can be used as fillers in AAMs without shell-membrane separation. Moreover, when the EPs content is increased to 33%, the 90-d flexural strength of the AAMs increases by 60% compared to the control group (without EPs), while the compressive strength remains unchanged. Thus, it is feasible to directly crush and sieve non-calcined eggshells for use as fillers in alkali-activated waste-based cementitious materials without the need for shell-membrane separation, and this method does not produce any negative impact. The findings of this research provide an effective technical approach for the application of waste eggshells in eco-friendly construction materials.

Transforming waste perlite into super lightweight ceramsite: Ratios optimization via uniform design, and investigating calcium fluoride and silicon carbide effects on foaming

The utilization of waste perlite powder generated from mining operations in the construction industry represents a significant step towards enhancing environmental sustainability. This study applies a uniform design of experiments to delve into the apparent density characteristics of super lightweight ceramsite concerning the proportions of solid waste materials, with a particular focus on waste perlite powder. To gain insights into the apparent density, first- and second-order polynomial equations were developed. These equations are founded on the utilization of five core raw materials, including waste perlite powder, fly ash, bentonite, calcium fluoride, and silicon carbide, and were meticulously analyzed using stepwise regression techniques. This approach led to the successful optimization of test ratios, achieving the envisioned outcomes. Additionally, the research explores the influence of calcium fluoride and silicon carbide on the foaming properties of materials under varying maximum sintering temperature conditions. Ultimately, the optimized conditions yielded super lightweight ceramsite with impressive properties, boasting a bulk density of 281 kg/m³, water absorption efficiency of 1.2%, and a compressive strength of 2.72 MPa. This research showcases the potential for utilizing waste perlite powder in the construction industry, not only as a sustainable alternative but also as a means to reduce environmental impact. The development of super lightweight ceramsite underlines the promise of eco-friendly construction materials, driving forward the agenda of environmentally responsible building practices.

Building a sustainable future: evaluating eco-friendly materials for energy efficiency and climate change mitigation

ABSTRACT Rapid population growth has increased housing demand. This demand was mainly addressed using conventional and unsustainable construction materials, which raised concerns about intensifying global warming. Economically challenged communities lacking access to cooling systems are more vulnerable to climate change effects. This research proposes strategies to address future climate change challenges, assessing the energy efficiency of a lab-developed eco-friendly construction material. A TRNSYS-based model was used in this study to evaluate four materials: rammed earth, hemp-lime bricks, DOUM fibre-stabilized material with quicklime, and cinder blocks in a real-scale building. Prior to the energy assessment, GenOpt software was used to ensure efficient building design. Optimizing the building's envelope can reduce annual thermal loads by up to 52%. The DOUM-clay brick house, with high thermal mass, exhibits significant potential. In comparison, the cooling loads of the cinder block, the rammed earth, and the hemp clay houses are 24.8%, 11.9%, and 9.2% lower, respectively. Additionally, the study considers the impact of climate change on buildings in a hot, semi-arid climate. The findings reveal a 20.3% lower thermal load for the lab-developed brick house compared to the cinder block house. The study also anticipates a reduction in natural ventilation’s potential in the future.

Comparative Assessment of Consumer Attitudes to Timber as a Construction Material in China and Japan

Abstract Timber-framed architecture has a long history in both China and Japan. As an eco-friendly construction material, it is universally acknowledged that the use of timber can be conducive to the achievement of sustainable development for architecture. During the past decades, the development of timber-framed buildings in China and Japan appeared significantly different. Consumers’ cognition about timber as a construction material has been widely researched by European academics, while there are few such kinds of studies in China, especially the comparative study between China and Japan. To fill this gap, this study aims to figure out consumers’ acceptance and attitudes toward timber used as a construction material in China and Japan. By adopting a structured questionnaire method, this study analyzed consumers’ thoughts, knowledge, and awareness of modern timber-framed architecture from the consumer level. The results indicate that Chinese and Japanese consumers have the same prejudices regarding the deficiency of timber-frame houses, in terms of fire resistance, acoustic insulation, and durability, while having positive attitudes regarding health and nature, and doubts about environmentally friendly performance. Moreover, the background developing driving forces and developing obstacles have also been analyzed. These results help to provide a better understanding of the challenges and difficulties that the timber-framed house market is facing in China and Japan. Thus, some suggestions were proposed to policymakers, developers, and timber companies for the future development of timber-structure architecture.

Advancements in Cellulose-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogels: Sustainable Solutions across Industries.

The development of superabsorbent hydrogels is experiencing a transformative era across industries. While traditional synthetic hydrogels have found broad utility, their non-biodegradable nature has raised environmental concerns, driving the search for eco-friendlier alternatives. Cellulose-based superabsorbents, derived from sustainable sources, are gaining prominence. Innovations include biodegradable polymer hydrogels, natural cellulose-chitosan variants, and cassava starch-based alternatives. These materials are reshaping agriculture by enhancing soil fertility and water retention, serving as potent hemostatic agents in medicine, contributing to pollution control, and providing eco-friendly construction materials. Cellulose-based hydrogels also offer promise in drug delivery and hygiene products. Advanced characterization techniques aid in optimizing their properties, while the shift towards circular economy practices further highlights sustainability. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of these advancements, highlighting their diverse applications and environmental benefits.

Eco-efficient reuse of alum-based water treatment sludge into structural sintering bricks

Water treatment sludge (WTS) disposal in landfills and estuaries has significant negative environmental effects. This study aims to produce a cleaner approach to recycling solid waste sludge from water treatment plants into eco-friendly construction materials. This approach involves the production of structural sintering clay bricks using WTS as a substitute for clay in the manufacturing process. Various mixtures of WTS content ranging from 10% to 50% and sand content of 10 and 20% were investigated. The Brick samples were shaped in the form of cubes and then fired in an oven at 700 °C for 3 h. Subsequently, several tests were conducted on the fired brick samples, including compressive strength, bulk density, water absorption, apparent porosity, efflorescence, freeze and thaw analysis, and microstructure investigation. The properties of WTS indicate a high concentration of silica, aluminum, and iron, which contribute to the improved properties of the fired bricks. It was observed that the bricks' compressive strength decreased from 29.8 to 8 MPa as the WTS content increased from 10% to 50%. In parallel, increasing the WTS content resulted in a decrease in bulk density from 1.005 to 0.75 g/cm3, an increase in apparent porosity values from 20% to 35%, and a higher water absorption from 12% to 37%. Furthermore, the addition of sand by 10 and 20% to the bricks leads to enhancements in both the mechanical and microstructure properties of the sintered bricks. Moreover, the efflorescence analysis of bricks is at a slight level. It can be concluded that WTS can be reused in the manufacturing of structural sintering clay bricks, providing a cleaner and more sustainable method of disposal for water treatment sludge.

Influence of Mineral Admixtures on the Performance of Pervious Concrete and Microscopic Research

Pervious concrete is an innovative eco-friendly construction material. Through the application of mineral admixtures and microscopic analysis to optimize its performance and analyze its mechanisms, its traits as a sustainable building option may be further improved. This study primarily examines the impact of the optimal blend quantities of fly ash, silica fume, and reinforcing agent on the attributes, micro-morphology, and phase composition of porous concrete. The optimal admixture was chosen after analyzing the effects of various factors on the mix ratio and properties of permeable concrete. To understand the degree of impact, performance tests were conducted on the 28-day compressive strength, water permeability coefficient, and porosity. Furthermore, the micro-mechanisms of the admixtures and reinforcing agents on the properties of permeable concrete were analyzed from a microscopic point of view using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. This research found that the advantageous properties of permeable concrete were enhanced by the simultaneous integration of appropriate quantities of fly ash, silica fume, and reinforcing agent. This resulted in a 28-day compressive strength of 18.33 MPa and a permeability coefficient of 8.27 mm/s. Compared with the unadulterated mineral admixture, the optimal admixture of fly ash, silica fume, and reinforcing agent at the same time increased the 28-day compressive strength by about double; the permeability coefficient was reduced by 36%, but it was still at a high level; and the measured porosity did not differ much from the designed porosity. Through thorough microanalysis, the hydration reaction was significantly improved, which could enhance the microstructure and pore structure of the concrete. This was supported by a substantial increase in the macroscopic compressive strength and a decrease in the water permeability coefficient, which were consistent with the aforementioned enhancement found in the microanalysis.

Red mud as a sustainable road construction material: An experimental investigation

In response to the pressing need for environmentally responsible waste management, this research delves into the potential applications of bauxite residue, commonly called red mud, a by-product of the Bayer process employed in aluminum extraction, within concrete-based applications. This study explores the viability of utilizing red mud to prepare construction materials for highway infrastructure. Characterization of the red mud unveiled that it poses no hazardous concerns, establishing its safety for further application. The experimental phase of the research involved the development of six distinct concrete mixtures, including a control mixture with varying proportions of red mud. Notably, including red mud, they had no adverse impact on the fresh concrete properties, with all values well within acceptable ranges. Furthermore, comprehensive microstructural analyses and leaching tests confirmed that concrete incorporating red mud adheres to safety and toxicity standards, assuaging environmental concerns. Regarding mechanical properties, laboratory tests showcased significant improvements, including a notable 14.01% increase in compressive strength, a robust 6.74% boost in flexural strength, and a 7.58% enhancement in split tensile strength following a 28-day curing period. The culmination of these findings underscores the feasibility of integrating red mud as a partial substitute for cement, up to 15%, in the construction of rigid pavement for highway applications. This approach tackles sustainable waste management and fosters eco-friendly construction materials, especially for highway projects.

Study on reinforcing mechanism of carbon nanotubes on tensile behavior of gangue cemented rockfill

Gangue cemented rockfill (GCR) plays a key role in underground reinforcement projects and construction waste recycling. However, the tensile performance restricted by cementitious materials limits its wider application. Hence, in this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was adopted to reinforce the tensile behavior of GCR samples, since CNTs own excellent mechanical properties and promising microstructure modification in cement-based materials. The test results demonstrate that only 0.007 wt% CNTs could significantly improve tensile strength up to 47.7% and ductility failure property. Through the characterization of acoustic emission (AE), digital image correlation (DIC) and SEM techniques, we found that the microscopic improvement of CNTs could reduce the intensity of failure events, promote the distribution of strain field, and weaken the stress concentration. AE counts of single failure events dropped over 80% and cumulative energy decreased up to 76.4%. Besides, the fractal dimension of macro strain field rose by 7.45∼15.5%, which further indicates the more complex strain distribution. The established CNTs pull-out model, based on above results, further revealed that bridging CNTs provided resistance, consumed fatal work during the pull-out process and slowed down the development of microcracks. This research broadens our understanding of the improvement mechanism of CNTs on the failure mode of GCR materials, which is of great significance for CNTs application and the production of eco-friendly construction materials.

Enhancing performance and sustainability: CRB600H high-strength reinforcement in recycled concrete

This paper addresses the urgent need for high-performance, eco-friendly construction materials due to increasing urbanization. It introduces CRB600H high-strength reinforcement to enhance recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) beam performance. Comparative analysis with conventional concrete (CC) beams demonstrates RAC's inferior shear performance, which CRB600H reinforcement effectively improves. A novel optimization method for high-strength reinforcement is established based on equal strength principles, demonstrating cost-efficiency. Economic analysis reveals that despite rising production costs with increased recycled aggregate replacement ratios, CRB600H reinforcement substantially reduces expenses, even when more expensive than HRB400 reinforcement. The environmental analysis reveals that the CRB600H reinforcement significantly influences the environmental performance of reinforced concrete beams. Utilizing 100% RAC beam with CRB600H as an illustrative example, the contribution rates of steel bars to Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) are determined as 39.30%, 56.85%, 51.87%, and 55.76%, respectively. In comparison to CC beam with HRB400, the 100% RAC beam with CRB600H exhibit reductions of 10.27%, 18.59%, 19.03%, and 16.93% in terms of GWP, AP, EP, and CED, respectively. In conclusion, CRB600H reinforcement offers cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions, promising significant advancements in RAC applications.

Assessment of a Non-Destructive Testing Method Using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity to Determine the Compressive Strength of Rubberized Bricks Produced with Lime Kiln Dust Waste

This paper presents a comprehensive study in which non-destructive testing utilizing ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), considering both pressure (P) waves and shear (S) waves, was used to assess the compressive strength (CS) of rubberized bricks. These innovative bricks were manufactured by blending lime kiln dust (LKD) waste with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), sand, and fine waste tire crumb rubber (WTCR). This study introduces mathematical models to explain the relationships between the results of destructive tests (DTs), specifically compression strength (CS) tests, and non-destructive tests (NDTs) employing UPV. These models were subsequently used to conduct validation exercises to accurately predict the strength of the rubberized bricks produced. The outcomes of the validation tests underscore the effectiveness of the UPV method in predicting the CS of rubberized eco-friendly bricks produced using an LKD-GGBFS blend. Importantly, the prediction using the power model exhibited minimal errors, confirming the utility of the UPV method as a reliable tool for assessing the compressive strength of such sustainable construction materials. This research contributes to advancing the field of eco-friendly construction materials and highlights the practical applicability of non-destructive ultrasonic testing in assessing their structural properties.

Additive construction using enhanced earthen-based composites: Improvement of the mechanical strength and water durability using chitosan and agave fibers

3D printing has emerged as a revolutionary technology with potential applications in the construction industry. However, the prevalent use of ordinary cement in most 3D printing formulations results in significant greenhouse gas emissions during 3D printing construction. In contrast, earthen-based composites are an eco-friendly alternative for building materials. However, as a construction material, earth presents poor mechanical strength and low durability against water erosion. This study aims to obtain earthen-based composites with suitable mechanical and durability properties to investigate their extrudability and buildability in tests. It also explores the effects of incorporating short sisal fibers (l/d ratio = 138.7) and chitosan (DD = 91%, Mw = 598 kDa) to improve strength and water durability in earthen-based composites for 3D printing purposes. Chitosan is a natural macromolecule derived from a waste product from the food industry, whereas sisal fibers are obtained from the Agave sisalana plant. The change in compressive strength was analyzed through uniaxial compression. Water durability was evaluated by measuring the water contact angle, total and capillary water absorption, and accelerated erosion tests. The results indicate that the use of 3.0% (w/v) aqueous solution of chitosan and 1.0% (w/w) of sisal fibers have an important effect on the hardening and water durability properties of earthen-based composites. This study suggests that these materials could serve as natural additives to enhance the mechanical properties and water durability of new eco-friendly construction materials for 3D printing. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that appropriate formulations with natural and eco-friendly additives can lead to stabilized earthen-based composites with suitable printing, mechanical and durability properties for 3D printing applications in construction materials.

Study of the Mechanical Properties of the Fly Ash Composite Bricks

Fly ash brick is an eco-friendly construction material comprised of fly ash, bottom ash, cement and rice husk. Fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants is utilized in place of typical clay or lime in the manufacturing process. One of the key benefits of fly ash brick is its long-term viability. Utilizing fly ash in the manufacturing process lowers waste generated by power stations and the requirement for virgin resources. Fly ash brick also has a reduced carbon impact than typical clay bricks. In terms of performance, fly ash brick offers various benefits. The bricks are more robust and resistant to weathering because they have a higher compressive strength and lower water absorption rate than ordinary clay bricks. They are also well insulated and have a low thermal conductivity. Fly ash brick is also cost-effective since it takes less energy to produce and is less expensive than typical clay bricks. Fly ash bricks are better for the environment since they have a reduced carbon footprint than ordinary clay bricks. They also offer numerous advantages, such as sturdy, long-lasting, and weather-resistant. They also have strong insulation characteristics, which means they can keep a structure cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Fly ash bricks are also a suitable alternative for construction since they are less expensive than regular clay bricks. They also take less energy to manufacture, making them more cost-effective. In this paper, we study the comparison of conventional break and fly ash brick on various dimensions like compressive strength and water absorption test. In this study, the Taguchi technique of parameter design is used to describe the findings of an experimental investigation into the mix proportions of fly ash bricks. With four factors and three levels per factor, the experiments were created using a L9 orthogonal array

The Effect of Different Biochar on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Pastes and Mortars

In recent years, there has been a concerning surge in CO2 emissions, with the construction and materials production sectors standing out as significant contributors to greenhouse gas pollution. To tackle this pressing environmental challenge, architectural design and civil engineering are actively pursuing strategies to mitigate their carbon footprint. These initiatives include adopting eco-friendly construction materials with reduced toxicity, rigorous energy management practices across the entire life cycle of structures, and incorporating innovative materials like biochar. Biochar is a carbon-rich byproduct generated through controlled thermochemical processes, such as pyrolysis or gasification, that stands out for its remarkable capacity to extract energy from processed biomass while delivering substantial environmental advantages. This study examines the use of biochar as a filler in cement-paste and mortar, as well as its influence on mechanical properties. In the case of cementitious pastes, results show that small amounts of biochar (1-2-5% by weight of cement) can improve the compressive and flexural strength, as well as fracture energy, thus generating a more tortuous crack path that increases the final surface area. In mortar specimens, the biochar influence does not show similar patterns or characteristics as the cement-paste in flexural and compressive strengths; nevertheless, biochar particles improve the toughness.

Development of an antimicrobial inorganic polymer based on fly ash and metakaolin incorporated by nano-TiO2 for reactive dye removal

Advanced and eco-friendly construction materials are being developed to reduce pollution and improve wastewater treatment efficiency. One such material is a photocatalytic nanocomposite that uses industrial wastes and natural substances to eliminate pollution. A recent study explored using an inorganic polymer composite (FM) made from a mixture of 70% fly ash and 30% metakaolin, with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate as an alkali activator. The study evaluated the mechanical and hydration characteristics of the FM composite after 28 days in 100% humidity at room temperature. The study also examined the effect of adding 2.5 wt.% of Nano-TiO2 to FM composite and how it affects its properties. Results indicate that adding Nano-TiO2 to FM composite enhances its mechanical, antibacterial, and photocatalytic capabilities. Specifically, FM-TiO2 composite showed 90% removal of reactive blue 19 dye effluent in sunlight after 90 min, making it an excellent choice for sustainable wastewater treatment. This study presents a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution to wastewater treatment, with added antimicrobial properties from Nano-TiO2.