Work

Upcycling invasive sun coral (Tubastraea spp.) waste: Microstructure and performance of innovative coral-based cementitious composites

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sun coral ( Tubastraea spp. ) is an invasive marine coral species responsible for severe ecological disturbances in marine ecosystems, resulting in high removal and monitoring costs in coastal infrastructure. Although previous studies have explored the use of this material in cementitious composites, the main novelty of this research lies in investigating the incorporation of sun coral waste as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in clinker-based systems. In this study, clinker was partially replaced at levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 25% (by mass). Physicochemical properties, dimensional and mass variations of these innovative cementitious composites were explained based on calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analyses. The results demonstrated that the sun coral waste affects cementitious systems mainly through physical mechanisms, nucleation effects, improved water redistribution, and pore refinement. Furthermore, calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) contributes to monosulphate (AFm) phase transformations, leading to the formation of ettringite (AFt) and monocarbonate (Mc) phases, which are associated with enhanced phase stability and improved microstructural integrity. The observed effects were strongly dependent on the replacement level and application conditions. These findings indicate that sun coral waste presents potential as a novel supplementary cementitious material, provided that its use is technically controlled, contributing to the valorisation of marine waste and the development of more sustainable cement-based materials.

Source: Journal of Building Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2026.116210

Authors: Renan Dias Couto, Madeleing Taborda Barraza, Gustavo Henrique Nalon, Jorge de Brito, Markssuel Teixeira Marvila, Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo

Institutions: State University of Norte Fluminense, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Universidade Federal de Viçosa

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

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

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,940