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Researchers from Pampanga’s Don Honorio Ventura State University found that spent coffee grounds (SCG) could become an ingredient for concrete blocks. They found that these concrete hollow blocks (CHB) “exceeded the minimum compressive strength of 4.14 MPs or 600 psi” in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ requirements.
READ: Professor recycles coffee as 3D printing material Further study could enable the Philippines to produce sustainable concrete blocks. As a result, it could become a major boon for its construction industry, coffee production, and sustainability goals. The Don Honorio Ventura State University breakthrough could reduce the Philippines’ carbon footprint.
The study’s title is “Spent coffee grounds as partial replacement of fine aggregates in concrete hollow blocks.” It explains that the Philippines belongs to the “Bean Belt,” a group of 50 coffee-producing countries. However, coffee grounds can produce excessive amounts of carbon dioxide and methane.
These are greenhouse gases that could exacerbate global warming. Moreover, they pose the risk of spontaneous combustion in landfills that could release even more harmful substances. Turning SCGs into concrete hollow blocks keeps them away from waste disposal.
Even better, they could become an alternative raw component for quality construction materials. As a result, coffee grounds could enable the local coffee and construction industries to drive the Philippines’ sustainability goals. A recent Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology study shows that coffee grounds could become more than a concrete mix alternative.
The Australian scientists also wanted to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production. However, they turned the SCG into biochar via pyrolysis. Then, they replaced 15% of the sand in concrete with biochar.
As a result, they created concrete blocks that are 30% stronger than conventional ones. Their method also reduced the amount of cement needed by up to 10%. “Our research is in the early stages,” Dr.
Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, a Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow at RMIT, was quoted in a press release as saying. “But these exciting findings offer an innovative way to greatly reduce the amount of organic waste that goes to landfills,” he added. Did you know coffee waste can also help regrow forests? Check this Inquirer Tech report to learn more.
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