Preparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio-composite
Abstract This study investigates the development and performance of carbonized bio-composites derived from wood sawdust, integrated with sustainable binders such as cement, lime, and shale ash, to create environmentally friendly construction materials. The research systematically optimizes mix compo...
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| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98658-w |
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| author | Hossein Rahmani Augonis Algirdas Anhelina Shestavetska Danute Vaiciukyniene |
| author_facet | Hossein Rahmani Augonis Algirdas Anhelina Shestavetska Danute Vaiciukyniene |
| author_sort | Hossein Rahmani |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This study investigates the development and performance of carbonized bio-composites derived from wood sawdust, integrated with sustainable binders such as cement, lime, and shale ash, to create environmentally friendly construction materials. The research systematically optimizes mix compositions and curing techniques to enhance mechanical properties, softening, and sustainability, with a focus on reducing cement content and mitigating CO2 emissions. Wood sawdust, treated with various solutions (water, Al2(SO4)3, CaCl2, Ca(OH)2), was combined with binders and additives (sand, shale ash) in precise proportions, followed by a controlled carbonization process (19% CO2, 65% RH). Compressive strength tests revealed that cement-based composites with water-treated sawdust and 20% sand achieved a 44% strength increase (up to 9.6 MPa), while 30% cement replacement with shale ash yielded a 55% strength gain and improved water resistance (softening coefficient: 0.55). Carbonization, preceded by air-drying, further enhanced strength by 12% and density by 2%, demonstrating superior durability under moisture exposure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the formation of calcite and a cohesive microstructure, respectively, underpinning the mechanical improvements. CO2 emissions were reduced by up to 65% in optimized formulations compared to traditional cement production, aligning with circular economy principles. These bio-composites, suitable for lightweight masonry applications, outperform prior sawdust-based materials (1–3 MPa) in strength and sustainability. This work advances the field of sustainable construction by offering a scalable, high-performance alternative to conventional materials, with rigorous methodology and robust data supporting its potential for industrial adoption. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b7cdcca1613045eeac2aac1bb5146b0f |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-b7cdcca1613045eeac2aac1bb5146b0f2025-08-20T02:55:29ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115111710.1038/s41598-025-98658-wPreparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio-compositeHossein Rahmani0Augonis Algirdas1Anhelina Shestavetska2Danute Vaiciukyniene3Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kaunas University of TechnologyFaculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kaunas University of TechnologyFaculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kaunas University of TechnologyFaculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kaunas University of TechnologyAbstract This study investigates the development and performance of carbonized bio-composites derived from wood sawdust, integrated with sustainable binders such as cement, lime, and shale ash, to create environmentally friendly construction materials. The research systematically optimizes mix compositions and curing techniques to enhance mechanical properties, softening, and sustainability, with a focus on reducing cement content and mitigating CO2 emissions. Wood sawdust, treated with various solutions (water, Al2(SO4)3, CaCl2, Ca(OH)2), was combined with binders and additives (sand, shale ash) in precise proportions, followed by a controlled carbonization process (19% CO2, 65% RH). Compressive strength tests revealed that cement-based composites with water-treated sawdust and 20% sand achieved a 44% strength increase (up to 9.6 MPa), while 30% cement replacement with shale ash yielded a 55% strength gain and improved water resistance (softening coefficient: 0.55). Carbonization, preceded by air-drying, further enhanced strength by 12% and density by 2%, demonstrating superior durability under moisture exposure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the formation of calcite and a cohesive microstructure, respectively, underpinning the mechanical improvements. CO2 emissions were reduced by up to 65% in optimized formulations compared to traditional cement production, aligning with circular economy principles. These bio-composites, suitable for lightweight masonry applications, outperform prior sawdust-based materials (1–3 MPa) in strength and sustainability. This work advances the field of sustainable construction by offering a scalable, high-performance alternative to conventional materials, with rigorous methodology and robust data supporting its potential for industrial adoption.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98658-wBio-compositeWood sawdustShale ashConcrete blocksEco-friendly materials |
| spellingShingle | Hossein Rahmani Augonis Algirdas Anhelina Shestavetska Danute Vaiciukyniene Preparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio-composite Scientific Reports Bio-composite Wood sawdust Shale ash Concrete blocks Eco-friendly materials |
| title | Preparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio-composite |
| title_full | Preparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio-composite |
| title_fullStr | Preparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio-composite |
| title_full_unstemmed | Preparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio-composite |
| title_short | Preparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio-composite |
| title_sort | preparation and mechanical characterization of pressed carbonized wood sawdust bio composite |
| topic | Bio-composite Wood sawdust Shale ash Concrete blocks Eco-friendly materials |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98658-w |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT hosseinrahmani preparationandmechanicalcharacterizationofpressedcarbonizedwoodsawdustbiocomposite AT augonisalgirdas preparationandmechanicalcharacterizationofpressedcarbonizedwoodsawdustbiocomposite AT anhelinashestavetska preparationandmechanicalcharacterizationofpressedcarbonizedwoodsawdustbiocomposite AT danutevaiciukyniene preparationandmechanicalcharacterizationofpressedcarbonizedwoodsawdustbiocomposite |