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The holistic approach to environment, Vol. 16 No. 3, 2026.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.33765/thate.16.3.2

CONVERTING BEECHWOOD BIOMASS INTO BUILDING MATERIALS: PROPERTIES OF MORTARS WITH BIOCHAR AS A SAND SUBSTITUTE

Milica Vlahović orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-7893-9101 ; University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia *
Anja Terzić orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-4762-7404 ; Institute for Testing of Materials, Belgrade, Serbia
Željko Arsić ; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia
Aleksandar Savić orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-1777-6775 ; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

The construction sector is responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, while the extraction of natural aggregates is increasingly unsustainable. In this context, biochar, a porous carbon-rich material obtained by biomass pyrolysis, has attracted attention as an eco-friendly additive in cementitious composites. This study investigates the effects of beechwood biochar as a partial replacement for natural sand in mortars. Five mortar series were prepared with biochar contents ranging from 0 to 20 wt.%, while keeping a constant cement mass and adjusting the water content according to the mixture composition. Specimens were tested for density, compressive and flexural strength, pull-off adhesion strength, and capillary water absorption at different curing ages. The results revealed a systematic decrease in density and strength with increasing biochar content, reflecting the low density and high porosity of biochar particles. Nevertheless, mortars with up to 10 wt.% biochar exhibited acceptable mechanical performance for potential application in non-structural elements, while offering benefits in terms of lower density and valorisation of renewable biomass waste. The findings highlight the potential of beechwood biochar as a sustainable partial aggregate replacement, contributing to circular economy strategies in the construction industry.

Keywords

biochar; mortar; beechwood; mechanical properties; pull-off strength; sustainability

Hrčak ID:

347727

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/347727

Publication date:

11.6.2026.

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