Applied Sciences (Mar 2024)

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

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062616
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 6
p. 2616

Abstract

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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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