Researchers in Australia have found a groundbreaking use for leftover coffee grounds, potentially making concrete 30% stronger by incorporating charred coffee waste. This discovery could address two major environmental issues: the massive global production of 10 billion kilograms of coffee waste annually, which emits greenhouse gases when discarded, and the unsustainable extraction of natural sand for construction. Through a process called pyrolyzing, coffee waste is heated to over 350°C without oxygen, resulting in biochar, a porous carbon-rich material that strengthens concrete. Although long-term durability tests are pending, this innovation offers an eco-friendly solution to reduce landfill waste and preserve resources.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652623023636?via%3Dihub