Feasibility of Using Biochar as an Eco-Friendly Microfiller in Polymer Concretes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The circular economy promotes waste material utilization.
• Biochar, a waste product, is unsuitable as fuel due to air pollution.
• Investigating biochar as a partial filler in polymer concrete aligns with sustainable material practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of incorporating waste biochar as a partial filler in polymer concrete.
• To assess the impact of biochar on the technological and mechanical properties of polymer concrete.
• To determine the optimal content of biochar for viable application.

Main Methods:

• Polymer concrete mixtures were formulated using vinyl-ester resin, quartz powder, biochar, and quartz aggregate.
• Biochar content varied from 0% to 10% by volume, with constant aggregate dosage.
• Technological parameters (setting, consistency) and mechanical strengths (flexural, compressive) were measured.

Main Results:

• Incorporating over 15% biochar rendered the polymer concrete mixture unworkable.
• Flexural strength remained largely unchanged with biochar addition.
• Compressive strength decreased by up to 15% with increasing biochar content.

Conclusions:

• Biochar can be used as a partial filler in polymer concrete, offering a pro-ecological alternative.
• Technological limitations exist, with workability issues arising at higher biochar percentages.
• Slight reductions in mechanical strength are observed, but the material shows potential for specific applications.