Partial Replacement of Cement with Carbon Powder in Concrete
Authors: Olorunyomi, A.Y., *Abiodun, Y.O. And Abdulrahmon, I.O.
DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21045487
ABSTRACT
The high carbon footprint associated with Portland cement production has intensified the search for sustainable supplementary cementitious materials for concrete. This study investigates the feasibility of using carbon powder (charcoal powder), a biomass-derived waste material, as a partial replacement for cement in concrete. Concrete mixtures were produced with carbon powder replacement levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% by weight of cement, using a mix ratio of 1:1.5:3 and a water–cement ratio of 0.45. Experimental investigations included chemical characterization of the carbon powder using X-ray fluorescence analysis, assessment of workability through slump tests, and evaluation of compressive and flexural strengths under normal water curing and lagoon water curing conditions. Results indicate that increasing carbon powder content led to reduced workability and a general decline in mechanical strength. However, concrete incorporating 5% carbon powder demonstrated the most favorable performance among the modified mixes, with acceptable compressive and flexural strengths relative to the control. Higher replacement levels resulted in significant strength reductions due to cement dilution and limited pozzolanic reactivity. The study concludes that carbon powder can be utilized as a partial cement replacement at low levels, offering environmental benefits through waste valorization and reduced cement consumption, particularly for non-structural concrete applications.
Affiliations: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Carbon Powder, Charcoal Powder, Supplementary Cementitious Material, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, Sustainability Concrete
Published date: 2026/06/30
