Utilization of biochar from unwashed peanut shell in cementitious building materials – Effect on early age properties and environmental benefits

Early stage and fresh properties of cementitious materials are critical to ease of placement and durability. This study investigated the potential of biochar, prepared by pyrolysis of locally generated waste peanut shells, to improve workability, hydration, early age strength and shrinkage of cement mortar and cement-fly ash mortar. Experimental observations suggest that addition of biochar slightly reduced workability, reflected in the increase...