
Advances in Bio-Based Materials for Construction and Energy Efficiency
- 1st Edition - February 26, 2025
- Imprint: Woodhead Publishing
- Editors: Fernando Pacheco-Torgal, Dan Tsang
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 2 8 0 0 - 8
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 2 8 0 1 - 5
Advances in Bio-Based Materials for Construction and Energy Efficiency fills a gap in the published literature, discussing bio-based materials and biotechnologies that are crucia… Read more

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Request a sales quote- Covers recent trends on bio-based materials and biotechnologies for eco-efficient construction
- Focus on sustainability and green concepts
- Includes infrastructure applications, building energy efficiency and biotechnology
- Presents cutting-edge technologies that includes the use of nanocellulose, geopolymer mortars using agricultural waste, and photosynthetic panels made of algae-laden biological materials
- Advances in Bio-Based Materials for Construction and Energy Efficiency
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Contributors
- Chapter 1 An introductory overview of bio-based construction materials
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 1.1 Sustainability challenges, resource scarcity and the bioeconomy's path forward
- 1.2 The promise of biobased materials towards a sustainable construction industry
- 1.3 Outline of the book
- References
- Part I: Bio-based materials and biotechnologies for infrastructure applications
- Chapter 2 Performance of asphalt mixtures with partial replacement of fossil binders by bio-based binders
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Biomass sources and treatments to obtain the bio materials to be used in asphalt binder
- 2.3 Preparation of bio based asphalt mixtures
- 2.4 Performances of bio based asphalt mixtures
- 2.4.1 High temperature performances
- 2.4.2 Intermediate temperature performances
- 2.4.3 Low temperature performances
- 2.4.4 Moisture damage resistance
- 2.4.5 Mechanical properties
- 2.4.6 Summary of the performance and mechanical properties of bio asphalt mixtures
- 2.5 Conclusions
- References
- Chapter 3 Nanocellulose fibers and crystals as emulsifying agents
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Cellulose
- 3.3 Types of nanocellulose
- 3.3.1 Cellulose nanocrystals
- 3.3.2 Cellulose nanofibers
- 3.3.3 Bacterial nanocellulose
- 3.3.4 Other types of nanocellulose
- 3.4 Nanocellulose production
- 3.4.1 Mechanical methods
- 3.4.2 Chemical methods
- 3.4.3 Biological methods
- 3.4.4 Optimization, control and combination
- 3.5 Nanocellulose Pickering ability
- 3.5.1 Surfactant molecules
- 3.5.2 Solid fine particles (Pickering emulsion)
- 3.6 Nanocellulose as emulsifying agent in bio-based materials for construction
- 3.6.1 Alternative bio-based emulsifiers for bituminous materials
- 3.6.2 Alternative bio-based emulsifiers for foam composites
- 3.7 Conclusions and future trends
- References
- Chapter 4 Concrete with plant-based biomass aggregates and biomass ash
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Utilization of plant-based biomass aggregates in concrete
- 4.2.1 Availability of plant sources as aggregates
- 4.2.2 Properties of biomass aggregates
- 4.2.3 Pre-treatment of biomass aggregates
- 4.2.4 Roles of biomass aggregates in concrete
- 4.3 Utilization of plant-based biomass ash in concrete
- 4.3.1 Sources of biomass ash
- 4.3.2 Chemical compositions of biomass ash
- 4.3.3 Pre-treatment of biomass ash
- 4.3.4 Roles of plant-based biomass ash in concrete
- 4.4 Cases of combined use of multiple biomass aggregates and ash in concrete
- 4.5 Conclusions
- References
- Chapter 5 Geopolymer activator using rice husk ash
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Rice and rice husk ash
- 5.3 Purification of rice husk ash
- 5.4 Synthesis of sodium waterglass
- 5.5 Fresh properties
- 5.6 Mechanical properties
- 5.7 Microstructural properties
- 5.8 Durability properties
- 5.9 Environmental effects
- 5.10 Summary and conclusions
- References
- Chapter 6 Utilization of agricultural waste-based materials in geopolymer
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Methodology
- 6.3 Literature analysis
- 6.4 Utilization of agricultural waste in geopolymer
- 6.4.1 Agricultural waste ash
- 6.4.2 Natural fiber
- 6.4.3 Agricultural waste aggregate
- 6.5 Conclusion and prospect
- References
- Chapter 7 Performance of concrete using bacteria and bio-fibers
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 7.1 Introduction
- 7.2 Bacteria
- 7.2.1 Bacteria and catalytic mechanisms suitable for concrete
- 7.2.2 Performances
- 7.2.3 Batch production and engineering applications
- 7.3 Bio-fibers
- 7.3.1 Sources and properties
- 7.3.2 Performances of natural fiber enhanced concrete
- 7.3.3 Challenges and strategies
- 7.4 Outlook
- References
- Chapter 8 Fire performance of hemp concrete
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 8.1 Introduction
- 8.2 Biobased concretes
- 8.2.1 Biobased concretes properties
- 8.3 Fire reaction
- 8.4 Fire resistance
- 8.4.1 Fire resistance classes and test methods
- 8.4.2 Fire resistance of biobased concretes
- 8.5 Smoldering fire
- 8.6 Render application
- 8.7 Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 9 Performance of cementitious composites incorporating flax fibers
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 9.1 Introduction
- 9.2 Biochemical composition of flax fibers
- 9.3 Physical and mechanical flax fibers properties
- 9.4 Kinetic and water absorption rate of flax fibers
- 9.5 Fresh state properties of flax fibers cementitious composites
- 9.5.1 Mixing issues
- 9.5.2 Workability
- 9.5.3 Initial setting time
- 9.5.4 Hydration heat
- 9.6 Mechanical behavior of the cementitious composites
- 9.6.1 Flexural behavior
- 9.6.2 Toughness
- 9.6.3 Compressive behavior
- 9.7 Performance enhancement
- 9.7.1 Fibers treatments
- 9.7.2 Matrix modification
- 9.8 Concluding remarks and future trends
- References
- Chapter 10 Properties and environmental performance of concrete modified with a bio-additive based on Opuntia ficus-indica
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 10.1 Introduction
- 10.2 Ancestry and properties of Opuntia ficus-indica
- 10.3 Hydration of polysaccharide-modified cement pastes
- 10.4 Workability of Ofim-modified concrete
- 10.5 Micro-characteristics of Ofim-modified concrete
- 10.5.1 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- 10.5.2 Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy
- 10.5.3 X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
- 10.6 Mechanical properties of Ofim-modified concrete
- 10.7 Durability properties of Ofim-modified concrete
- 10.7.1 Rate of water absorption
- 10.7.2 Thermal conductivity (K-values)
- 10.7.3 Freeze-thaw resistance
- 10.7.4 Resistance to chemical attack
- 10.8 Environmental life cycle assessment
- 10.8.1 Goal and scope definition
- 10.8.2 Life cycle inventory analysis
- 10.8.3 Life cycle impact analysis (LCIA)
- 10.8.4 Environmental cost indicator (ECI)
- 10.9 Conclusions
- 10.10 Future research
- References
- Chapter 11 Performance of cementitious composites incorporating nanocellulose fibers
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 11.1 Introduction
- 11.2 Production of nanocellulose
- 11.2.1 Characterization of nanocellulose
- 11.2.2 Preparation of nanocellulose
- 11.2.3 Treatment processes for extraction of nanocellulose
- 11.3 Applications of nanocellulose in cement-based composites
- 11.3.1 The role of cellulosic fibers as reinforcement in cement
- 11.3.2 Composites reinforced by fibers randomly dispersed in the matrix
- 11.3.3 Composites reinforced by aligned fibers or fibrous structures
- 11.4 Performances of nanocellulose-modified cementitious composites
- 11.4.1 Workability
- 11.4.2 Setting time
- 11.4.3 Hydration characteristics
- 11.4.4 Pore structures
- 11.4.5 Compressive and flexural properties
- 11.4.6 Tensile properties
- 11.4.7 Fracture properties
- 11.5 Recommendations for improving performance and durability
- 11.5.1 Modifying the matrix
- 11.5.2 Modifying the fibers
- 11.6 Future trends
- References
- Chapter 12 Performance of cementitious composites based on spent coffee ground
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 12.1 Introduction
- 12.2 Coffee: A worldwide diffuse beverage
- 12.3 Reuse of coffee waste in building and construction materials: A circular economy perspective
- 12.4 Material and methods
- 12.4.1 Materials
- 12.4.2 Processing details
- 12.4.3 Materials characterization
- 12.5 Results and discussion
- 12.5.1 Macroscale functional properties of the slurry
- 12.5.2 Macroscale functional properties of the solid state
- 12.6 Energy materials for building envelope applications
- 12.7 Development of a prototype
- 12.7.1 Set up of plaster prototype and testing model
- 12.7.2 Temperature monitoring
- 12.8 Bridging research and practice_ Testing in real-world construction site
- 12.9 Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 13 LCA of wall infill made with agriculture waste
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 13.1 Introduction
- 13.2 LCA of envelope building materials: Main findings in recent literature
- 13.3 Proposal of a new material derived from urban agriculture waste
- 13.3.1 New material description
- 13.3.2 LCA of the novel material
- 13.4 Results and discussions
- 13.4.1 LCA outcomes
- 13.4.2 Comparison with conventional envelope materials and production prospects
- 13.5 Conclusions
- References
- Part II: Bio-based materials and biotechnologies for building energy efficiency
- Chapter 14 Thermal insulating lightweight aerogels based on nanocellulose
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 14.1 Introduction
- 14.2 Thermal insulation material
- 14.2.1 Traditional thermal insulation material
- 14.2.2 Aerogel material for thermal insulation
- 14.3 Introduction to nanocellulose
- 14.4 Application of nanocellulose aerogel in thermal insulation field
- 14.4.1 Preparation of nanocellulose aerogel
- 14.4.2 Optimization modification of nanocellulose thermal insulation aerogel
- 14.4.3 Thermal insulation properties of nanocellulose aerogel
- 14.5 Future trends
- References
- Chapter 15 Thermal performance and durability of hemp shiv and recycled cardboard fibers
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 15.1 Introduction
- 15.2 Types of binder for hemp shiv
- 15.3 Thermal insulating materials based in hemp shiv
- 15.4 Recycled cardboard fiber
- 15.5 Manufactures process and how it influences in the properties
- 15.6 Enhancing hemp-based material: Addressing challenges with coating and citric acid treatment
- 15.6.1 Green coating
- 15.6.2 Crosslinking agent
- 15.7 Properties of the insulating hemp-based material
- 15.7.1 Durability of insulating panel made with hemp shiv and recycled cardboard
- 15.7.2 Carbon storage properties
- 15.8 Future trends
- References
- Chapter 16 Thermal performance of hemp clay walls
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 16.1 Introduction
- 16.2 Materials and composition
- 16.2.1 Properties of hemp
- 16.2.2 Properties of clay
- 16.2.3 Composition and mixing ratios
- 16.2.4 Additives and their effects
- 16.3 Thermal properties of hemp clay walls
- 16.3.1 Thermal conductivity
- 16.3.2 Thermal mass
- 16.3.3 Insulating properties
- 16.3.4 Comparative analysis with other building materials
- 16.4 Thermal performance testing methods
- 16.4.1 Laboratory testing techniques
- 16.4.2 In situ testing methods
- 16.4.3 Standards and protocols
- 16.5 Factors affecting thermal performance
- 16.6 Energy efficiency and sustainability
- 16.6.1 Energy efficiency
- 16.6.2 Environmental sustainability
- 16.6.3 Health benefits
- 16.7 Challenges and limitations
- 16.7.1 Technical challenges
- 16.7.2 Regulatory and compliance issues
- 16.7.3 Economic considerations
- 16.8 Future research directions
- 16.8.1 Innovative materials and composites
- 16.8.2 Advanced testing and simulation techniques
- 16.8.3 Standardization and certification
- 16.8.4 Sustainable building integration
- 16.8.5 Education and outreach
- 16.9 Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 17 Thermal performance of mortars with agricultural waste
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 17.1 Introduction
- 17.2 Thermal properties of mortar
- 17.3 Effect of the use of agricultural waste on the thermal properties of mortar
- 17.3.1 Hemp fiber
- 17.3.2 Palm fiber
- 17.3.3 Jute fiber
- 17.3.4 Straw fiber
- 17.3.5 Sunflower fiber
- 17.3.6 Olive solid waste ash
- 17.3.7 Rice husk ash
- 17.4 Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 18 Thermal performance and cost efficiency of hemp filled bricks
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 18.1 Introduction
- 18.2 Introduction to hemp and its properties
- 18.3 Applications of hemp in the construction and building industry
- 18.3.1 Hemp shiv
- 18.3.2 Water
- 18.3.3 Hemp concrete construction techniques
- 18.3.4 Hemp wool
- 18.4 Thermophysical properties of hemp-based materials
- 18.5 Presentation of the studied building, internal gains and occupancy scenarios
- 18.6 Simulation conditions and assumptions
- 18.6.1 Climatic conditions
- 18.6.2 Simulation assumptions
- 18.7 Dynamic thermal simulation and parametric study of the studied building
- 18.7.1 Impact of external wall design (thermal inertia and thermal insulation)
- 18.7.2 Impact of ventilation
- 18.7.3 The impact of double glazing
- 18.7.4 Comparison between configurations A and B
- 18.8 Economic and environmental impacts of using hemp as a biobased insulation material
- 18.8.1 Economic impact: Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA)
- 18.8.2 Environmental impact
- 18.9 Comparison with Moroccan thermal regulation (RTCM)
- 18.9.1 Performance-based approach
- 18.9.2 Prescriptive approach
- 18.10 Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 19 Physical characterization of two Native Chilean Macroalgae: Luga (Sarcothalia crispata) and Sargazo (Sargassum) for their use as thermal insulation material in sustainable housing
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 19.1 Introduction
- 19.2 Materials and methods
- 19.2.1 Materials
- 19.2.2 Moisture
- 19.2.3 Density
- 19.2.4 Thermal conductivity
- 19.2.5 Thermal stability
- 19.2.6 Surface analysis (morphology)
- 19.3 Results and discussion
- 19.3.1 Moisture
- 19.3.2 Density
- 19.3.3 Thermal conductivity
- 19.3.4 Thermal stability
- 19.3.5 Surface analysis (morphology)
- 19.4 Conclusions
- References
- Chapter 20 Optimizing passive building walls using PCMs and bio-based hygroscopic materials
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 20.1 Introduction
- 20.2 Materials and constructions
- 20.2.1 Hygroscopic materials
- 20.2.2 PCM used in experiment
- 20.2.3 Construction of experiment
- 20.2.4 Boundary conditions of experiment
- 20.3 Envelope performance
- 20.3.1 Hygrothermal performance
- 20.3.2 Energy performance
- 20.4 Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 21 Performance of dry-assembled wooden walls with bio-PCM
- Abstract
- Keywords
- 21.1 Introduction
- 21.2 Dry-assembled wooden wall with bio-based PCMs
- 21.2.1 The use of cork in the building sector
- 21.2.2 Dry-assembled wooden wall
- 21.3 Thermal characterization of the bio-based PCM dry-assembled wooden wall
- 21.3.1 Choice of the melting temperature
- 21.3.2 Methodology of the thermal characterization
- 21.3.3 Thermal characterization with a single PCM layer
- 21.3.4 Thermal characterization with double PCM layer
- 21.3.5 Validation of PCM numerical simulations
- 21.4 Energy simulations of the bio-based PCM dry-assembled wooden wall
- 21.4.1 Case study temporary housing unit
- 21.4.2 Evaluation of energy savings
- 21.5 Conclusions
- References
- Chapter 22 Innovative urban sustainability: Low-maintenance photobioreactor façades in architectural design
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Acknowledgments
- 22.1 Introduction
- 22.2 Why incorporate microalgae cultivation in architecture?
- 22.2.1 Adaptability
- 22.2.2 Building water metabolic cycle
- 22.2.3 Building solar radiation control
- 22.2.4 CO2 capture
- 22.2.5 Biomass production and use as biofertilizer
- 22.3 ESMASA façade
- 22.4 Components of the PBR façade
- 22.5 Monitoring environmental factors and their impact on biomass production
- 22.6 Methods for evaluation and monitoring of microalgae cultures
- 22.6.1 Internal sensors
- 22.6.2 Microalgae culture state analyses
- 22.7 Conclusion
- References
- Index
- Edition: 1
- Published: February 26, 2025
- Imprint: Woodhead Publishing
- No. of pages: 710
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780443328008
- eBook ISBN: 9780443328015
FP
Fernando Pacheco-Torgal
Dr. F. Pacheco-Torgal is a principal investigator at the University of Minho, in Portugal. He currently holds the title of Counsellor from the Portuguese Engineers Association and has authored more than 300 publications. He is a member of the editorial boards for 9 international journals. He has acted as a foreign expert in the evaluation of 30 PhD theses. In the last 10 years he has been a Member of the Scientific Committee for almost 60 conferences most of them in Asian countries. He is also a grant assessor for several scientific institutions in 15 countries including the UK, US, Netherlands, China, France, Australia, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Spain, Czech Republic, Chile, Saudi Arabia, UA. Emirates, Croatia, Poland, and the EU Commission. He has also been an invited reviewer for 125 international journals and has reviewed almost 1200 papers and has been the lead editor of 27 books.
DT
Dan Tsang
Prof. Tsang is the leading scientist in the fields of waste-to-resource technology, hazardous waste treatment, and carbon capture and utilization. Over the years, Dan has published more than 500 peer-reviewed papers in the top 10% journals, including 88 Highly Cited Papers as of March 2022. He was awarded as 2021-2023 Highly Cited Researcher (Clarivate Analytics) in two academic fields of Engineering as well as Environment and Ecology. He is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Waste Management Association, and the Waste Management Subcommittee of Advisory Council on the Environment, HKSAR Government. He has been invited to deliver more than 160 invited talks at international conferences and invited seminars at overseas universities. His professional contribution has been recognized by local and international communities, and he has served as the Editor-in-Chief, npj Materials Sustainability, Nature Portfolio (2023-), the Associate Editors for the top 10% journals, such as Science of the Total Environment (2018-2024), Critical Reviews in Environmental Science & Technology (2018-), Journal of Environmental Management (2022-), Journal of Hazardous Materials (2019-2021); and served as Editorial Boards for Bioresource Technology (2019-), Environmental Pollution (2019-), Chemosphere (2015-), etc.