Australian researchers have made an astonishing discovery coffee grounds can significantly enhance the strength of concrete, by a remarkable 30%. This revelation comes at a crucial juncture when the construction industry’s demand for concrete is soaring, exacerbating resource consumption and environmental impacts.
How Coffee Grounds Enhance Concrete
The breakthrough lies in the process of incorporating charred coffee grounds into the concrete mix. This involves subjecting the coffee waste to pyrolysis, a method that heats it to over 350 degrees Celsius with minimal energy and oxygen. The outcome of this process is biochar, a carbon-rich porous material that forms bonds with the cement matrix, boosting the concrete’s strength.
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Challenge Ahead
While this discovery holds immense promise, the researchers acknowledge the need for further investigation. They are currently assessing the coffee-cement hybrid’s performance in various conditions, including freeze/thaw cycles, water absorption, abrasion, and other stress factors.
Additionally, the team is exploring the possibility of creating biochar from other organic waste sources like wood, food waste, and agricultural residues.
Sustainable Solution
Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, an engineer at the Royal University Institute of Technology (RMIT), expresses enthusiasm about the potential of this research to reduce organic waste in landfills. She emphasizes the importance of a sustainable approach to waste management, aligning with indigenous perspectives that prioritize caring for the environment and minimizing landfill impacts.
Source: Muyinteresante