Spent Coffee Grounds as Building Material for Non-Load-Bearing Structures

Area of Science:

• Sustainable Materials Science
• Green Construction Technologies

Background:

• Growing demand for eco-friendly building materials due to ecological transition policies.
• Need for alternative, low environmental impact materials in the construction sector.
• Focus on bio-sourced composites as a viable solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the mechanical, thermal insulation, and sound absorption properties of a spent coffee grounds/potato starch bio-composite.
• To assess its potential for application in the building industry.
• To provide a foundation for understanding its performance in different climates.

Main Methods:

• Thermal conductivity and diffusivity testing for insulation assessment.
• Acoustical testing to determine sound absorption coefficients.
• Mechanical testing to evaluate compressive behavior and suitability for building components.

Main Results:

• The bio-composite demonstrated thermal insulation comparable to conventional plant-based materials.
• Sound absorption coefficients were found to be in a similar range to established building materials.
• Sufficient compressive strength for non-load-bearing structures and brick formation was observed.

Conclusions:

• The spent coffee grounds/potato starch composite is a promising bio-sourced material for sustainable construction.
• Its performance in terms of insulation, acoustics, and mechanics supports its use in buildings.
• Further research is needed to understand its behavior under varying moisture conditions and climates.