CONCRETES WITH BIOCHAROL FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
Keywords:
biochar, cement, concrete, strength, biowaste, constructionAbstract
Biochar (BC) additives in concrete have a high potential for use, both due to their environmental friendliness and their improved properties. The review highlights the aspects of using various biochar additives in concrete, characterizes biochar production methods and the influence of multiple factors on the quality of biochar materials. The physicochemical properties of bioconcretes, their composition, properties and problems associated with traditional production methods are presented. The advantages of biochar in concrete include the ability to be potential carbon absorbers and a binder substitute, as well as improving strength indicators, operational characteristics (durability, thermal insulation properties, fire resistance and frost resistance). This scientific work considers the process of forming concrete, focusing on the processes of forming a concrete matrix with biochar. The study analyzes the methodology for introducing biochar into the concrete matrix, criteria for selecting raw materials, component mixing protocols and procedures for controlling the quality characteristics of the final product. The processes of hydration and structure formation of cement stone with a biocomponent are considered. Examples of research on concrete compositions with a biochar component, their hardening conditions and construction and technical properties of the resulting bioconcretes are given. Particular attention is paid to the assessment of environmental aspects of the use of "green concretes" with biochar based on biowaste of plant origin, including their environmental profile, economic feasibility, life cycle analysis, as well as the real potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The review also covers existing problems, predicted development directions and potential areas for future research in the context of biochar concrete components. The SCS bioconcrete certification system, according to the European standard EWC, is given. The presented comprehensive analysis provides a detailed understanding of the properties, production technology and environmental significance of biochar cement composites and concrete systems, serving as a guideline for further progress in the field of ecological materials science, construction and the development of the circular economy.
References
Abdulkadir et al. A holistic review of nanomaterials in strain-hardening cementitious composites: Insights into micro- and macromechanical, deformation, smart, and durability properties: Review article. Results in Engineering. 2025. Vol. 25. Р. 104099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104099
Afshar M., Saeed Mofatteh. Biochar for a sustainable future: Environmentally friendly production and diverse applications: review article. Results in Engineering. Vol. 23. 2024. P. 102433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.102433
Ahmed A. Assessing the effects of supplementary cementitious materials on concrete properties: a review. Discov Civ Eng 1. 2024. Р. 145. https://doi .org/10.1007/s44290-024-00154-z
Aini N. A., Jamilatun S., Pitoyo J. Pirolisis biomassa: review. Agroindustrial Technology Journal. 2022. Vol. 6 № 1. Р. 89–101. https://doi.org/10.21111/atj.v6i1.7559
Barbhuiya S., Das B. B., Kanavaris F. Biochar-concrete: a comprehensive review. Case Studies in Construction Materials. 2024. Vol. 20. P. e02859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e02859
Chen T. et al. Effect of biochar characteristics on freeze-thaw durability of biochar-cement composites. Journal of Building Engineering. 2025. Vol. 102. № 15. Р. 111959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.111959
Cheng W., Liu G, Chen L. Pet fiber reinforced wet-mix shotcrete with walnut shell as replaced aggregate. Appl Sci. 2017. Vol. 7. No 4. Р. 345.
Chomiak K. et al. Optimizing the properties of granular walnut-shell based KOH activated carbons for carbon dioxide adsorption. J CO2 Utilization. 2017. P. 436–443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2017.07.02
Churkina G. et al. Buildings as a global carbon sink. Nat. Sustain. Vol. 3. 2020. Р. 269–276. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0462-4
Courard L. and Parmentier V. Carbonated miscanthus mineralized aggregates for reducing environmental impact of lightweight concrete blocks: research article. Sust. Build. 2017. Vol. 2, № 3. 9 p. https://doi.org/10.1051/sbuild/2017004
Dipta I. et al. Coal-derived char for improving mechanical performance and microstructural characteristics of concrete. Journal of Sustainable Cement-Based Materials. 2025. Vol. 14, No 4. Р. 780–798. https://doi.org/10.1080/21650373.2025.2465979
Dissanayake P. D. et al. Sustainable gasification biochar as a high efficiency adsorbent for CO2 capture: a facile method to designer biochar fabrication. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 2020. Vol. 124. Р. 109785
EBC (2012-2022) European Biochar Certificate – Richtlinien für die Zertifizierung von Pflanzenkohle. Ithaka Institute, Arbaz, Switzerland. URL: http://www.european-biochar.org Version 10.1G vom 10. 2022. URL: http://www.european-biochar.org (Accessed February 12, 2025).
European Food Safety Aithority, EFSA opinion on suitable indicators for both the occurrence and toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food, 2008. URL: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2008.724 (Accessed February 12, 2025).
Fan Yang et al. Stabilization of dissolvable biochar by soil minerals: Release reduction and organo-mineral complexes formation. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2021. Vol. 412. P. 125213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125213
Gunawardene O. Carbon Dioxide Capture through Physical and chemical adsorption using porous carbon materials. Atmosphere. 2022. Vol. 13. P. 397. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13030397
Gupta S. et al. Use of biochar-coated polypropylene fibers for carbon sequestration and physical improvement of mortar. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2017. Р. 171–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2017.07.012
Gupta S., Kua H., C. Low. Use of biochar as carbon sequestering additive in cement mortar. Cement Concr. Compos. 87. 2018. Р. 110–129. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-0093-3
Habert G. et al. Environmental Impact and Decarbonization Strategies in the Cement and Concrete Industry. Nat Rev Earth Environ. 2020. Vol. 1. P. 559–573.
Hilal N., Mohammed Ali T. K., Tayeh B. A. Properties of environmental concrete that contains crushed walnut shell as partial replacement for aggregates. Arab J Geosci. 2020. Vol. 13. P. 812. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05733-9
Huanyu Li. 3 – Biochar for sustainable construction industry. Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering. Biochar Towards Sustainable Environment. 2023. P. 63-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91873-2.00015-7
Hussain Ch. et al. Short-term analysis on the combined use of sugarcane bagasse ash and rice husk ash as supplementary cementitious material in concrete production. Environmental science and pollution research. 2021. Vol. 29. Issue 3. P. 3555–3564. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15877-0
Hylton J., Hugen A., Rowland S. M. et al. Relevant biochar characteristics influencing compressive strength of biochar-cement mortars. Biochar. 2024. Vol. 6. P. 87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-024-00375-6
Kadhim S. et al. Development of ternary blend cement-free binder material for construction. 2024. Vol. 28. Issue 12. Р. 2807–2820. https://doi.org/10.1080/19648189.2024.2326977
Kaffayatullah Khan et al. Biochar Produced from Saudi Agriculture Waste as a Cement Additive for Improved Mechanical and Durability Properties: SWOT Analysis and Techno-Economic Assessment. Materials (Basel). 2022. Vol. 15 (15). Р. 5345. doi: 10.3390/ma15155345.
Kua H. W. et al. Biochar-immobilized bacteria and superabsorbent polymers enable self-healing of fiber-reinforced concrete after multiple damage cycles. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2019. Vol. 100. Pp. 35–52.
Lin X. at al. Biochar-cement concrete toward decarbonisation and sustainability for construction: characteristic, performance and perspective. J. Clean Prod. 2023. Vol. 419. Р. 138219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.138219
Lin X. at al. Effect of crystalline admixtures on shrinkage and alkali-silica reaction of biochar-cementitious composites. Developments in the Built Environment. 2024. Vol. 18. P. 100456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2024.100456
Lovecchio N. et al. Agricultural solid waste as source of supplementary cementitious materials in developing countries. Environ. Sci. 2020.Vol. 7. P. 13–30. doi: 10.3934/environsci.2020002
Maljaee H. et al. Effect of cement partial substitution by waste-based biochar in mortars properties. Constr. Build. Mater. 2021. Vol. 301. P. 124074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124074
Mangi S. A., Ibrahim M. H., Jamaluddin, N. et al. Influence of coal ash on the concrete properties and its performance under sulphate and chloride conditions. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2021. Vol. 28. P. 60787–60797. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15006-x
Marathe S., Sadowski Ł. Developments in biochar incorporated geopolymers and alkali activated materials: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2024. Vol. 469. Р. 143136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135246
Miller S. A., John V. M., Pacca S. A., Horvath A. Carbon dioxide reduction potential in the global cement industry by 2050. Cem Concr Res. 2018. Vol. 114. P. 115-124.
Onsongo S. K., Olukuru J., Munyao O. M. et al. The role of agricultural ashes (rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, palm oil fuel ash) in cement production for sustainable development in Africa. Discov Sustain. 2025. Vol. 6. P. 62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-00841-6
Osama Z. et al. Utilization of engineered biochar as a binder in carbon negative cement-based composites: a review. Construction and Building Materials. 2024. Vol. 417. No 23. Р. 135246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135246Get rights and content
Sanytsky M. et al. Architectural Self-Compacting Concrete Based on Nano-Modified Cementitious Systems. Proceedings of CEE 2023. CEE 2023. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. 2024. Vol. 438. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-44955-0_37
Senadheera S. et al. Application of biochar in concrete: а review. Cement and Concrete Composites. 2023. Vol. 143. Р. 105204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105204.
Shahbazpanahi S., Faraj R. H. Feasibility study on the use of shell sunflower ash and shell pumpkin ash as supplementary cementitious materials in concrete. J. Bui Eng. 2020. Vol. 30. P. 101271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101271
Shang X et al. Production, properties and life cycle assessment of artificial lightweight aggregates produced with corn straw ash (CSA) and concrete slurry waste (CSW). Constr Build Mater. 2024. Vol. 411. Р. 134274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.134274.
Shilar F. A., Ganachari V. S., Patil V. B. Advancement of nano-based construction materials: а review. Constr Build Mater. 2022. Vol. 359. P. 129535. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129535 (Accessed February 12, 2025).
Singhal S. Biochar as a cost-effective and eco-friendly substitute for binder in concrete: a review. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering. 2023. Vol. 27, Issue 2. Р. 984–1009. https://doi.org/10.1080/19648189.2022.2068658
Tayeh B. A., Hakamy A. A., Fattouh M. S. The effect of using nano agriculture wastes on microstructure and electrochemical performance of ultra-high-performance fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete under normal and acceleration conditions. Case Stud Constr Mater. 2023. Vol. 18. P. e01721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01721
Thakur A., Agarwal R., Kumar R. et al. Enhancement of Concrete Performance and Sustainability through Partial Cement Replacement with Biochar: An Experimental Study. Iran J Sci Technol Trans Civ Eng. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-024-01661-w
Wahl A. Biochar in Concrete & Cement: Application Construction Industry. Biochar zero. 2024. URL: https://biochar-zero.com/construction-industry/biochar-in-concrete/ (Accessed February 12, 2025)
Walling S. A., Provis J. L. Magnesia-based cements: a journey of 150 years, and cements for the future? Chem. Rev. 2016. Vol. 116. Р. 4170–4204.
Wang et al. The roles of biochar as green admixture for sediment-based construction products. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2019. Vol. 104. P. 103348.
Wang L. et al. Biochar as green additives in cement-based composites with carbon dioxide curing. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020. Vol. 258. P. 120678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120678
Ye P., Guo B., Qin H. et al. The state-of-the-art review on biochar as green additives in cementitious composites: performance, applications, machine learning predictions, and environmental and economic implications. 2025. Biochar. Vol. 7, No 21. 30 P. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-024-00423-1
Yu H. et al. Heat of hydration of Portland cement containing coal-derived char at different temperatures. Results in Materials. 2024. Vol. 23. P. 100595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2024.100595
Yueji Bai et al. Gasified olive stone biochar as a green construction fill material. Construction and Building Materials. 2023. Vol. 403, No 3. P. 133003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133003
Zhang Y. Biochar as construction materials for achieving carbon neutrality. Biochar. 2022. Vol. 4. P. 59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-022-00182-x
Zhihao Zhao et al. Biochar affects compressive strength of Portland cement composites: a meta-analysis. J. Biochar. 2024. Vol. 6, No 1. P. 21. DOI: 10.1007/s42773-024-00309-2
Маrushchak U. et al. Research of nanomodified Portland cement compositions with high early age strength. Eastern-European Journal of Enter-prise Technologies. 2016. Vol. 6. № 6. Р. 50–57.
