Work

Black magic for concrete: Using biomass and industrial by-products to create innovative sustainable construction materials

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sulfur concrete (SC), recognized for its sustainability and chemical resistance, faces limitations in mechanical strength and thermal durability. This study investigates the enhancement of SC through the incorporation of biomass-derived activated carbon (BAC) from corn husk and cob, substituting 1 %, 3 %, 5 %, and 7 % of carbide lime by weight. The BAC, characterized by high porosity (91 % carbon content in cob-derived BAC, 74.5 % in husk-derived) and a 100–200 µm particle size, was synthesized via pyrolysis at 400°C. Mechanical testing revealed a 23.9 % increase in compressive strength at 7 % BAC replacement, achieving 52 MPa, outperforming prior SC formulations (25–43 MPa). SEM/EDX analyses confirmed BAC’s role in densifying the microstructure, reducing voids, and improving sulfur-aggregate adhesion. Durability assessments under 12 wet/dry cycles demonstrated enhanced resistance to moisture-induced degradation, with BAC-modified SC exhibiting negligible cracking and < 2 % mass fluctuation. The integration of agricultural waste-derived BAC not only elevates SC’s structural performance but also aligns with circular economy principles by repurposing industrial by-products (sulfur from ADNOC) and agricultural residues. These findings position BAC-SC as a viable, high-performance alternative to conventional concrete in harsh environments, offering quantifiable advancements in sustainability and resilience. • A sustainable method integrates biomass-derived activated carbon (BAC) into concrete, promoting eco-friendly construction. • Fine aggregate is partially replaced with BAC and carbide lime to study strength and durability. • Adding BAC to sulfur concrete boosts compressive strength by 23.9 %, enhancing its load-bearing performance significantly. • BAC addition improves sulfur concrete durability by reducing corrosion and cracking from thermal expansion and contraction.

Source: Case Studies in Construction Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04674

Authors: Vasilia Al Khaldi, Abdel-Hamid I. Mourad

Institution: Zayed University

Language: English

Topic: Structural mechanics and materials

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,660