A Comprehensive Review of Biochar Utilization for Low-Carbon Flexible Asphalt Pavements

Nura Shehu Aliyu Yaro (), Muslich Hartadi Sutanto, Noor Zainab Habib, Aliyu Usman, Jibrin Mohammed Kaura, Abdulfatai Adinoyi Murana, Abdullahi Haruna Birniwa and Ahmad Hussaini Jagaba
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Nura Shehu Aliyu Yaro: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak 32610, Malaysia
Muslich Hartadi Sutanto: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak 32610, Malaysia
Noor Zainab Habib: School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure, and Society, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Dubai 38103, United Arab Emirates
Aliyu Usman: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak 32610, Malaysia
Jibrin Mohammed Kaura: Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Nigeria
Abdulfatai Adinoyi Murana: Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Nigeria
Abdullahi Haruna Birniwa: Department of Chemistry, Sule Lamido University, Kafin-Hausa PMB 048, Nigeria
Ahmad Hussaini Jagaba: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak 32610, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-32

Abstract: A large amount of biomass waste is produced globally, and its production and improper management are major environmental issues. Pavement industries consume large amounts of natural resources and adversely impact the environment. Thus, the utilization of waste materials, such as biochar from biomass, has been prioritized as an innovative and sustainable strategy. However, there is currently a paucity of knowledge regarding the utilization and performance of biochar in flexible asphalt pavements. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive literature review of studies conducted between 2010 and 2022 on the advancement and application of biochar in flexible asphalt pavement production. This review also highlights biochar production materials (feedstocks) and processes. This review further evaluates the viability of biochar as a carbon-neutral material utilized in producing asphalt pavements. Owing to its exceptional and variable physicochemical properties, biochar has demonstrated improved performance for a variety of applications in flexible asphalt pavements. According to the review, for optimum performance, a particle size < 75 µm is recommended as a modifier for asphalt binders and mixtures with a content range of 5–10 wt.% of the binder, while a particle size of 1–5 mm is recommended as a filter layer. In addition, the review concluded that as a carbon-neutral material, biochar has many possibilities that can aid in reducing CO 2 emissions. The challenges and future perspectives, underlying study niches, and future research suggestions for biochar application in the flexible asphalt pavement industry are also highlighted. As a result, this review will contribute to the increased sustainability and eco-friendliness of flexible asphalt pavements by encouraging the transition to carbon-negative and emission-reducing pavements. The current review will assist researchers in identifying research gaps that will encourage the high-potential, sustainable, and multifaceted application of biochar in the pavement industry for greater environmental benefits.

Keywords: flexible asphalt pavement; sustainability; biochar; carbon-neutral material; CO 2 emission; biomass (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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