Enhancing Biochar Impact on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Mortar: An Optimization Study Using Response Surface Methodology for Particle Size and Content

Zhongrui Zhou, Junsong Wang, Kanghao Tan and Yifei Chen ()
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Zhongrui Zhou: State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Junsong Wang: State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Kanghao Tan: School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Yifei Chen: School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-16

Abstract: The utilization of agricultural waste, specifically biochar (BC), as an alternative material to conventional Portland cement offers substantial potential for enhancing sustainability within the construction industry. This study investigates how variations in BC particle size and content affect the properties of cement mortar using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). By manipulating BC’s content and particle size in the mortar mixture and analyzing the data with RSM, this study establishes response surface models to predict the relationship between BC characteristics and cement mortar strength. The results demonstrate that the optimal combination for enhancing the mechanical performance of the mortar is achieved when BC particles have a median particle diameter of 51.08 μm and a content of 2.69% of the mixture. Additionally, utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it is revealed that BC serves as a nucleation site for cement hydration, thereby inducing a more compact and dense microstructure within the cement mortar. Furthermore, BC particles contribute to enhancing the interfacial transition zone between the cement paste and aggregate, leading to increased compressive strength and fracture toughness of the mortar while simultaneously curbing crack propagation.

Keywords: biochar; response surface method; particle size; mechanical properties; microstructure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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