Use of Waste Bioproducts as a CO₂ Sink in Sustainable Structural Composites

The establishment of a bio-based economy that can compensate for the hundreds of megatons of waste generated annually is vital to the successful utilization of waste as a resource. [1] Upon identifying useful waste streams, bio-manufacturing technologies such as sustainable composite materials can be developed to offset CO₂ emissions. Biomass offers many advantages such as biosequestration, biomineralization, and improved material properties when integrated into such materials. [2, 3, 4] In this study, we incorporate waste from various biological waste streams into cementitious, pressed, and hydrogel materials to develop sustainable composites for applications as structural materials, 3D printing, and fuel pellets. Samples were prepared and characterized using a wide range of chemical, mechanical, and spectroscopic techniques. From this study, we evaluated the effects of waste biomass in sustainable composites for CO₂ mitigation, reduced construction cost, and waste utilization potential.<br/><br/>[1] Gagg, C.R., <i>Cement and concrete as an engineering material: An historic appraisal and case study analysis.</i> Engineering Failure Analysis, 2014. 40: p. 114-140.<br/>[2] Oner, A. D. N. A. N., S. Akyuz, and R. Yildiz. "An experimental study on strength development of concrete containing fly ash and optimum usage of fly ash in concrete." <i>Cement and Concrete Research</i> 35.6 (2005): 1165-1171.<br/>[3] Dhami, Navdeep K., M. Sudhakara Reddy, and Abhijit Mukherjee. "Biomineralization of calcium carbonates and their engineered applications: a review." Frontiers in microbiology 4 (2013): 314.<br/>[4] Cheah, Wai Yan, et al. "Biosequestration of atmospheric CO2 and flue gas-containing CO2 by microalgae." <i>Bioresource technology</i> 184 (2015): 190-201.