A new concrete composition based on coconut shell was created by scientists from the Don State Technical University. The production process is 15 percent cheaper than traditional analogues, and the material is characterized by greater lightness. The results were published in the journal Materials.
Currently, the search for new compositions of mixtures containing plant residues is relevant in the world. One of the types of this waste, common in many regions of the world, is coconut products.
Thus, scientists presented a new concrete composition that contains up to 10 percent coconut shell by weight. According to the creators, the strength and other performance characteristics of the development are equal to or slightly higher than those of ordinary concrete, and its cost is 15 percent lower.
“Our method allows us to solve the problem of using this type of waste, relevant for several regions, and bring to market a new construction material that is lighter and cheaper than traditional concrete,” explained Sergei Stelmakh, head of the Construction Department of Buildings and Unique Structures of the Don State Technical University (DGTU, for its acronym in Russian).
The creators pointed out that reducing the weight of concrete is a great advantage for construction. That way, it might be more practical to use this material more, for example, in conditions of dense urban development or in difficult geological and engineering conditions. In his words, the coconut shell is functionally similar to natural crushed stone, since it has a rough and angular structure, and its surface has an even greater relief. Due to this, the quality of the adhesion of the aggregate and the cement-sand matrix increases, which guarantees high characteristics of the concrete.
“An important aspect of our research is the complete description of the new links and connections that occur in the structure of concrete containing coconut shell,” said Stelmaj.
In the future, the scientific team intends to continue the search for plant components that replace cement, crushed stone and sand in concrete, as well as the design of ecological and economical structures based on new textures.
The DGTU participates in the Priority-2030 program of state support for universities in Russia. (Text and photo: Sputnik)
