Every year in the world they are produced Over 10 billion kilos of coffee waste. And most end up in the landfill, where it contributes to the formation of methane and co₂two powerful greenhouse gases. But today, thanks to scientific research, these waste can be recovered and employed intelligent and sustainable.
A team of engineers of theMelbourne RMIT Universityin Australia, has developed a surprising method to improve cement performance and, at the same time, reduce organic waste: use exhausted coffee grounds transformed into biochar. According to the results published in Journal of Cleaner Productionthe addition of these materials charred to concrete allows increase the resistance of concrete up to 30%.
The secret lies in the pyrolysisa low energy process that consists of heat the funds at over 350 ° C in the absence of oxygentransforming them into biochara porous and carbon -rich substance. This material can be integrated into concrete, strengthening its structure without releasing harmful chemicals.
The researchers also tested Pyrolysis at 500 ° C, but they discovered that the biochar obtained in that way is less effective. To confirm the quality of the material, the images under the electronic microscope also arrived: Biochar’s granules show an ideal structure to bind to cement.
Read also: scientists discovered a surprising practical use of coffee funds
Less extracted sand, less waste in landfills
The construction sector consumes enormous quantities of every year natural sandmainly extracted from the beds and the banks of the rivers, with devastating consequences on ecosystems. The invention of the arms could also reduce this dependence, offering a greener and more responsible alternative, as the engineer explains Jie lione of the managers of the study:
With a circular economy approach, we can limit the extraction of natural resources and at the same time prevent organic waste from ending up in the landfill.
The hope is that this is only the beginning. The team is already experimenting with biochar even starting from wood, food waste and agricultural residueswith the aim of Create a cleaner, cheap and circular built -in supply chain.
For now, the results obtained are promising, but the way to large scale application is still long. The next step will be to test the durability of hybrid concretechecking how it resists Cycles of frost/difference, abrasions, humidity and other extreme environmental conditions.
Shannon Kilmartin-Lynchco-author of the study, underlines the importance of a wider vision:
I am inspired by the indigenous philosophy of the Caring for Country, which invites you to take care of the earth and to guarantee a sustainable life cycle for any material. It is our duty to find solutions that avoid waste and thug the environment.
One cup at a time, also coffee grounds can become protagonists of change.
