Background
Removal and immobilization of metal leachates from various compounds (industrial waste, mine tailings, waste engine oil, etc.) used in construction and the built environment is critical. Specifically, the use of mine tailing in construction of roadway base and sub-base could lead to leaching of metals to surface and ground water.
In response to growing environmental concerns, the cement industry has initiated a shift toward more sustainable methods of production. A key development in this area is the creation of clinker-free or low-carbon cement, which reduces or eliminates the use of clinker—a major source of energy consumption and carbon emissions in traditional cement manufacturing. In the construction industry, geopolymers have emerged as a viable substitute for traditional Portland cement because of their similar binding properties.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a bio-grafted plastic granules (BCPG) that can be incorporated in an open graded friction course to facilitate removal of contaminants from surface run-offs. This invention is to co-apply select biochar (from wood, biowaste, biosolids, algae, etc.) to immobilize the metal leachates. Incorporation of BCPG will enhance open-graded surface mix’s performance by removing copper, iron and zinc as well as some of long chain PAH and PFAS molecules. Accordingly, incorporation of BCPG will amplify role of open-graded friction course in removal of contaminants while enhancing road resistance to permanent deformation.
Potential Applications:
- Cement free roofing shingles
- Cement infrastructure
- Wellbore applications
Benefits and Advantages:
- Sustainable- promotes resource conservation and greenhouse gas reduction
- Customizable- adjustment on mixtures and curing conditions
- Prevents leaching- limits leaching in biochar-modified CMT-based geopolymer