Work

Sustainable earthen plasters: surface resistance enhancement via thermal treatments

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The construction sector contributes approximately 37% of global embodied carbon from materials. Earth-based materials offer a more sustainable alternative, and using recycled aggregates as sand substitutes further reduces environmental impact by limiting raw material extraction. However, these materials are often vulnerable to erosion and water action. This study investigates low-temperature thermal treatments (200–600 °C) of 10 and 60 minutes and bio-based polymer coatings to enhance the durability of clay-based mixtures with recycled aggregates. Treatments at 500–600 °C significantly improved resistance, with short treatments at 600 °C performing comparably to longer ones. In contrast, bio-based coatings were less effective due to superficial application and film discontinuities. Results highlight the potential of in situ thermal stabilization as a sustainable and efficient method to improve the durability of earthen construction materials and promote their use as a viable alternative in sustainable building practices.

Source: Journal of Building Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.112867

Authors: Marta Cappai, Giorgio Pia

Institution: University of Cagliari

Language: English

Topic: Hygrothermal properties of building materials

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,940