In the quest to make construction more sustainable, researchers are turning to unusual sources for inspiration, including the humble flaxseed. A recent study led by Haris Brevet at EPROAD – UR4669, University of Picardie Jules Verne in Amiens, France, published in ‘Academia Materials Science’ (Material Science Academy) explores how flaxseed mucilage can be used to create eco-friendly mortars, potentially revolutionizing the construction industry and benefiting the energy sector.
Brevet and his team investigated the effects of flaxseed mucilage and varying water-to-cement ratios on the properties of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) mortars. The findings reveal a complex interplay between these factors, offering insights that could shape future developments in sustainable construction materials.
The study found that high water-to-cement (W/C) ratios accelerate the setting process and increase heat release in unmodified mortars. However, when flaxseed mucilage is added, it acts as a retardant, slowing down the setting time. This retardation effect is more pronounced when the mucilage is pre-dissolved in water and as the W/C ratio increases. “The mucilage affects the hydration process by a chemisorption mechanism on Ca2+ ions, essentially poisoning the growth of hydrates,” Brevet explains. This discovery could be crucial for controlling the setting time of mortars in various environmental conditions, a significant advantage for large-scale construction projects.
The research also sheds light on the mechanical properties of these biobased mortars. While increasing the water content can enhance mortar strength up to a certain point, excessive water is detrimental to unmodified mortars. Interestingly, the addition of mucilage reduces the compressive strength but improves flexural strength due to the elastic behavior conferred by the mucilage.
Brevet notes, “The changes in properties are not due to any mineralogical modifications, as shown by FTIR and TGA analyses. This suggests that the mucilage’s impact is primarily chemical and physical, rather than structural.”
The commercial implications of this research are vast. By utilizing agricultural byproducts like flaxseed mucilage, the construction industry can reduce its environmental footprint and potentially lower costs. For the energy sector, this could mean more sustainable building materials for infrastructure projects, contributing to the overall reduction of carbon emissions.
As the construction industry continues to seek greener alternatives, studies like Brevet’s provide a roadmap for integrating biobased materials into mainstream use. The findings could inspire further research into other agricultural byproducts and their potential applications in construction, paving the way for a more sustainable future.