Impact of biochar on strength, durability, and carbon sequestration in cement based materials

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of biochar, derived from biomass waste through pyrolysis, on the performance of cementitious composites. Biochar was incorporated as a partial replacement for cement in varying proportions up to 5wt% to evaluate its effects on mechanical properties, durability, and microstructure. Experimental results demonstrated that the inclusion of biochar improved compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, primarily due to enhanced hydration, refined pore structure, and better interfacial bonding. Durability was also improved, as evidenced by reduced water absorption and shrinkage. These findings highlight the potential of biochar as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material that contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of concrete. While a brief bibliometric overview is included to contextualize global research interest in this area, the primary focus of this paper is on the experimental validation of biochar's material benefits in advancing sustainable construction practices.