Researchers in India have developed a new concrete mixture that combines improved strength with the ability to capture carbon dioxide from the surrounding air. The study, reported by ScienceDaily, explores how natural materials could give conventional construction concrete an additional environmental function.
The research team from Mepco Schlenk Engineering College tested M35-grade concrete using two materials: zeolite, a porous mineral, and bamboo biochar, a carbon-rich material. Several formulations were evaluated to determine whether these additives could improve concrete performance while enabling CO₂ absorption.
The strongest results came from a mixture containing 50% zeolite and 1% bamboo biochar. Known as the ZB5 formulation, it achieved a compressive strength of 38.49 MPa, around 7.48% higher than conventional concrete. Its split tensile strength reached 4.39 MPa, representing a 15% increase.
Laboratory testing also showed that the material could absorb approximately 1.2 grams of CO₂ per day. During a seven-day test, carbon dioxide penetrated around 15 mm into the concrete. Researchers attributed the carbon-absorbing capability to the porous structure of zeolite and the carbon-rich properties of bamboo biochar.
Potential applications include concrete pavements, highway parapet walls and sewer pipelines. However, the researchers note that further testing is required to assess long-term durability, scalability and performance before wider commercial adoption.
