Agricultural waste-derived additives for high-performance cement: A novel approach using bagasse pulp and rice husk ash

Abstract

Agricultural residues such as rice husk and sugarcane bagasse pulp, often discarded as waste, hold untapped potential for advancing sustainable construction materials. This study introduces a novel approach to valorizing these abundant by-products by incorporating bleached bagasse pulp and rice husk ash into cement composites. The innovative blend not only addresses environmental concerns but also significantly enhances the performance of cementitious materials.

Experimental results revealed a remarkable 59% increase in hydration when 8% bleached bagasse pulp and 20% rice husk ash were added to cement mortar. Mechanical properties also saw substantial gains, with compressive and flexural strengths improving by 13% and 19%, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of bleached bagasse pulp resulted in a significant increase in deflection at flexural failure, ranging from 49% to 222%, indicating improved ductility and toughness.

A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) underscored the environmental benefits of this approach, showing 11%-19% reductions in impact when 20% rice husk ash was used as a partial replacement for cement. By demonstrating both enhanced performance and a reduced environmental footprint, these findings underscore the significance of agricultural–residue–based composites as a high-performance, environmentally conscious alternative for modern civil engineering applications. This work strengthens the link between agricultural waste management and sustainable infrastructure development, positioning such composites as a viable pathway toward greener construction practices.