Production and characterization of eco-cement using eggshell powder and water hyacinth ash

Abstract

The construction industry faces significant environmental challenges, primarily due to high carbon emissions from traditional cement production. This study investigates the potential of eco-cement produced using agro-waste materials—eggshell powder (ESP) and water hyacinth ash (WHA)—as sustainable alternatives to conventional cement. Three eco-cement samples with varying compositions of ESP and WHA were prepared and characterized using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The XRF analysis revealed that all samples contained a high CaO content (>70 %) and sufficient SiO₂ levels to ensure pozzolanic activity. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of key hydration products, including calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) and calcite, indicating successful bonding characteristics. SEM images demonstrated that increasing the WHA content resulted in a denser microstructure with reduced porosity, which is critical for enhancing the material's strength and durability. The results show that eco-cement formulations incorporating 9 % WHA exhibit superior microstructural properties, suggesting their potential for practical applications. By utilizing waste materials, this eco-cement offers a viable solution for reducing the environmental footprint of cement production while promoting sustainable construction practices. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the long-term performance of eco-cement under various environmental conditions and explore its feasibility in large-scale construction projects.