The influence of biochar shape in cement-based materials

Biochar-containing cement composites are gaining interest in the last years due to the possibility of reducing the environmental impact linked to cement. It can also improve the mechanical properties and the electrical conductivity of cement-based materials. A parameter that can affect mechanical performance of biochar-containing cement composites is the morphology of biochar. While it is reasonable to expect a different behavior for different shapes (rod-like, spherical or sheet), a full understanding is yet to be achieved of the competing effects of aspect ratio, morphology, and composition linked to the specific biochar source. This study shows that biochar can improve the mechanical properties of cement-based composites. 1 wt. % of biochar improves of 7 % the compression strength and 15 % the flexural strength. The results presented in this work confirm that biochar has a positive effect on both the mechanical and environmental behavior of cement-based materials.