Did you know that coffee grounds could be a valuable resource? A recent study conducted by researchers from the Melbourne University of Technology has revealed an interesting finding that could have a significant impact on the construction industry. The study involved drying coffee grounds and subjecting them to pyrolysis at 350 degrees, resulting in a substance known as biochar.
What makes this biochar so intriguing is its effect on concrete. When incorporated into concrete, the biochar significantly improves its strength by almost 30%. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the way we build, as it could decrease the need for sand extraction and help reduce waste from cafes.
The researchers at Melbourne University of Technology believe that this approach could have major environmental benefits. By using coffee grounds in concrete, we can reduce the demand for sand, which is a limited resource and a major contributor to habitat destruction. Additionally, cafes generate large amounts of coffee grounds daily, which often end up in landfills. By repurposing these coffee grounds to enhance concrete, we can significantly reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Interested in reading the research in more detail? Here’s the link, go ahead and give it a read if you want to: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652623023636
