journal article·2024-03-20Open access

Enhancing Cement Paste Properties with Biochar: Mechanical and Rheological Insights

Daniel Suarez-Riera, Luca Lavagna, Juan Felipe Carvajal, Jean-Marc Tulliani, Devid Falliano, Luciana Restuccia

Applied Sciences· Volume 14· Issue 6

Abstract

Biochar, the solid sub-product of biomass pyrolysis, is widely considered an effective water retention material thanks to its porous microstructure and high specific surface area. This study investigates the possibility of improving both mechanical and rheological properties of cement pastes on a micro-scale. The results show that using biochar as a reinforcement at low percentages (1% to 5% by weight of cement) results in an increase in compressive strength of 13% and the flexural strength of 30%. A high fracture energy was demonstrated by the tortuous crack path of the sample at an early age of curing. A preliminary study on the rheological properties has indicated that the yield stress value is in line with that of self-compacting concrete.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Innovative concrete reinforcement materials · Innovations in Concrete and Construction Materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy

Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy

Funding

Master Builders Solutions · Nera Biochar SRL

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