Feasibility Study on Sewage-Sludge Biochar and Waste Plastic Composite as a Sustainable Construction Material
摘要
Population explosion has led to rapid concretization along with massive generation of waste. Cement production is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide, which is a leading cause of global warming. The growing use plastic due to its utility in daily life is causing unprecedented plastic pollution, however its use in sustainable construction has gained popularity due to its high tensile strength, water resistance and lightweight. Biochar, a waste derived material is also gaining spotlight in scientific debate because of its ability to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the properties of construction materials. In this study, plastic-biochar composite tiles were produced and tested for its use as a sustainable building material. The tests showed enhanced properties, particularly in 50:50 plastic-biochar tiles, with enhanced flexural strength(61.71 N/mm2), less water absorption (1.39) and low density (0.82), which were all within the acceptable limits of IS: 456:2000 and IS 1237: 2012. This study aims to address the twin challenges of carbon emissions and waste generation caused by blistering urbanization by mechanically testing biochar-plastic composites for its use in sustainable construction.