Biochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials

Abstract In light of the existing carbon imbalance and environmental risks linked to cement manufacturing, diverse forms of biochar materials have been integrated into cement composites. This approach presents a mutually beneficial solution, effectively mitigating CO2 emissions while concurrently yi...

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Main Authors: Fufei Wu, Qiuyue Zhang, Shuangkuai Dong, Yang Cai, Shan Yang, Fajun Xu, Pengfei Luo, Jixiang Jiang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06968-w
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author Fufei Wu
Qiuyue Zhang
Shuangkuai Dong
Yang Cai
Shan Yang
Fajun Xu
Pengfei Luo
Jixiang Jiang
author_facet Fufei Wu
Qiuyue Zhang
Shuangkuai Dong
Yang Cai
Shan Yang
Fajun Xu
Pengfei Luo
Jixiang Jiang
author_sort Fufei Wu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract In light of the existing carbon imbalance and environmental risks linked to cement manufacturing, diverse forms of biochar materials have been integrated into cement composites. This approach presents a mutually beneficial solution, effectively mitigating CO2 emissions while concurrently yielding economic benefits. This paper focused on replacing 0.1–24% of cement with apricot shells, along with biochar from palm, date, and peach shells at an 8% replacement rate. A nearly linear decline in workability and density was observed in biochar-mortar admixtures, as indicated by the results. With the addition of 1% biochar, the UHPC matrix achieved a peak compressive strength, surpassing that of the control by 2.65%, subsequent increments weakened it. Biochar-added UHPC mortars exhibited a diminished drying shrinkage, and the improvement in anti-permeability was confined to biochar additions ranging from 0.1 to 2%. Inclusion of 0.1–1% biochar in UHPC mortars reduced electrical flux, attributed to their “micro densification” effect. With 1% biochar substitution for cement, MIP analysis disclosed minimal porosity, complemented by SEM imagery showcasing abundant hydration products, underscoring the superior modification achieved in UHPC mortar. Deployed as an additive in UHPC mortar, biochar demonstrates potential success, fostering waste recycling while sequestering carbon within building materials.
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spelling doaj-art-711f4d66ffa64dbaa660aa34430a08c72025-08-20T03:37:31ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115112310.1038/s41598-025-06968-wBiochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materialsFufei Wu0Qiuyue Zhang1Shuangkuai Dong2Yang Cai3Shan Yang4Fajun Xu5Pengfei Luo6Jixiang Jiang7Guizhou Normal UniversityGuizhou Normal UniversityGuizhou Normal UniversityGuizhou Normal UniversityGuizhou Normal UniversityGuizhou Normal UniversityGuizhou Normal UniversityGuizhou Normal UniversityAbstract In light of the existing carbon imbalance and environmental risks linked to cement manufacturing, diverse forms of biochar materials have been integrated into cement composites. This approach presents a mutually beneficial solution, effectively mitigating CO2 emissions while concurrently yielding economic benefits. This paper focused on replacing 0.1–24% of cement with apricot shells, along with biochar from palm, date, and peach shells at an 8% replacement rate. A nearly linear decline in workability and density was observed in biochar-mortar admixtures, as indicated by the results. With the addition of 1% biochar, the UHPC matrix achieved a peak compressive strength, surpassing that of the control by 2.65%, subsequent increments weakened it. Biochar-added UHPC mortars exhibited a diminished drying shrinkage, and the improvement in anti-permeability was confined to biochar additions ranging from 0.1 to 2%. Inclusion of 0.1–1% biochar in UHPC mortars reduced electrical flux, attributed to their “micro densification” effect. With 1% biochar substitution for cement, MIP analysis disclosed minimal porosity, complemented by SEM imagery showcasing abundant hydration products, underscoring the superior modification achieved in UHPC mortar. Deployed as an additive in UHPC mortar, biochar demonstrates potential success, fostering waste recycling while sequestering carbon within building materials.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06968-wUltra-high performance concreteBiocharMacroscopic characteristicsDurabilityMechanism
spellingShingle Fufei Wu
Qiuyue Zhang
Shuangkuai Dong
Yang Cai
Shan Yang
Fajun Xu
Pengfei Luo
Jixiang Jiang
Biochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials
Scientific Reports
Ultra-high performance concrete
Biochar
Macroscopic characteristics
Durability
Mechanism
title Biochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials
title_full Biochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials
title_fullStr Biochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials
title_full_unstemmed Biochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials
title_short Biochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials
title_sort biochar modification enhances mechanical and durability properties of cement based materials
topic Ultra-high performance concrete
Biochar
Macroscopic characteristics
Durability
Mechanism
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06968-w
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