Development and Characterization of a Sustainable Bio-Polymer Concrete with a Low Carbon Footprint

Abstract

Polymer concrete (PC) has been used to replace cement concrete when harsh service conditions exist. Polymers have a high carbon footprint when considering their life cycle analysis, and with increased climate change concerns and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emission, bio-based polymers could be used as a sustainable alternative binder to produce PC. This paper examines the development and characterization of a novel bio-polymer concrete (BPC) using bio-based polyurethane used as the binder in lieu of cement, modified with benzoic acid and carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The mechanical performance, durability, microstructure, and chemical properties of BPC are investigated. Moreover, the effect of the addition of benzoic acid and MWCNTs on the properties of BPC is studied. The new BPC shows relatively low density, appreciable compressive strength between 20–30 MPa, good tensile strength of 4 MPa, and excellent durability resistance against aggressive environments. The new BPC has a low carbon footprint, 50% lower than ordinary Portland cement concrete, and can provide a sustainable concrete alternative in infrastructural applications.

Chemistry and pathways to net zero for sustainability

“…Sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete are being explored, 70,71 including options for materials described as 'C-negative', for binders (e.g. ferrock containing iron dust from steel production, 72 graphenecrete in which graphene partly replaces the cement, 73 bio-polymer concrete based on a polyurethane binder 74 ), for aggregates (e.g. hempcrete containing the inner woody core of the hemp plant mixed with lime 75 ), or both (e.g.…”