An Unexpected Use for Coffee Grounds — Alternative Could Make Concrete 30% Stronger and Also Benefit the Environment

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 29/03/2025 at 08:37

Créditos da imagem: Pixabay

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Scientists Discovered a Practical and Sustainable Use for Coffee Grounds. Solution Helps Combat Waste and Can Benefit Multiple Industries. See What It Is

A new study in Australia could transform the way we handle organic waste and also impact the construction industry. Scientists found that coffee grounds, when processed correctly, can make concrete 30% stronger.

The idea came from researchers at RMIT University. They were looking for solutions to help reduce the environmental impact of both waste disposal and construction. Their recipe seems to tackle two problems at once.

The Problem of Coffee Waste and Sand Extraction

Every year, the world throws away about 10 billion kilograms of coffee waste. Most of it ends up in landfills. This disposal harms the environment as it releases gases like methane and carbon dioxide. These gases are among the main contributors to climate change.

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How Coffee Grounds Make Concrete Stronger

The team of researchers decided to test a different approach. They wanted to use coffee grounds, but it wasn’t that simple. When directly mixed into concrete, the used coffee powder releases chemicals that weaken the mixture.

To resolve this issue, they turned to a process called pyrolysis. Basically, they heated the coffee waste to over 350 °C without letting oxygen in. This heating breaks down the molecules and creates a porous material called biochar, rich in carbon. This material can bond with cement.

The team also tested pyrolysis at 500 °C, but the results were not as good. The particles became weaker. According to Roychand, the secret lies in finding the right temperature.

Next Steps and Other Possibilities

The use of biochar made from coffee grounds yielded interesting results. However, there are still questions. The researchers stated that they need to conduct long-term tests. They want to understand how this new type of concrete performs over time, in situations like freezing, water absorption, and abrasion.

Besides coffee, the team has also begun testing other waste materials. They are studying the use of wood, food scraps, and even agricultural waste to create new types of biochar.

For engineer Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, the research goes beyond construction. “The inspiration for my research, from an Indigenous perspective, involves caring for the land, ensuring there is a sustainable life cycle for all materials, and preventing things from being sent to landfills to minimize environmental impact.”

The research is still in its early stages, but it shows a promising path. Transforming waste into useful materials could be one way to balance development and sustainability.

With information from Science Alert.

An Unexpected Use for Coffee Grounds — Alternative Could Make Concrete 30% Stronger and Also Benefit the Environment

Scientists Discovered a Practical and Sustainable Use for Coffee Grounds. Solution Helps Combat Waste and Can Benefit Multiple Industries. See What It Is

The Problem of Coffee Waste and Sand Extraction

How Coffee Grounds Make Concrete Stronger

Next Steps and Other Possibilities

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An Unexpected Use for Coffee Grounds — Alternative Could Make Concrete 30% Stronger and Also Benefit the Environment

Scientists Discovered a Practical and Sustainable Use for Coffee Grounds. Solution Helps Combat Waste and Can Benefit Multiple Industries. See What It Is

The Problem of Coffee Waste and Sand Extraction

How Coffee Grounds Make Concrete Stronger

Next Steps and Other Possibilities

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