Enhancing cement mechanical properties with cellulose nanocrystals as supplementary cementitious materials
摘要
Cement production is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, responsible for approximately 5–10% of total emissions, with the challenges being even more pronounced in developing nations like Ethiopia. This study investigates the potential of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), derived from sugarcane bagasse, as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to improve the mechanical properties and sustainability of concrete. CNCs were incorporated into Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) at varying percentages (5%, 10%, and 15%), and their effects on consistency, setting times, compressive strength, and unit weight were analyzed. Results reveal that CNCs enhance the hydration process, delay setting times within acceptable standards, and significantly improve compressive strength at optimal replacement levels. The study highlights a 10% CNC incorporation as the optimal mix, achieving a compressive strength of 42.4 MPa, representing a 13.9% improvement compared to the control mix (37.2 MPa). These findings demonstrate CNCs’ potential to enhance concrete performance while reducing the environmental footprint of cement production, offering a sustainable pathway for Ethiopia's construction industry.