_{The Advanced Materials Technology Centre team developing eco-friendly mortars.
From left to right: Ms Throwya Muthusami, Lead Materials Scientist and Principal Investigator; Ms Melissa Ang, Senior Technical Executive;
Mr Thomas Goh, Lead Research Engineer; Dr Lim Zheng Bang, Manager and Co-Principal Investigator.}

Centre profile

Singapore Polytechnic’s Advanced Materials Technology Centre was set up in 2008 to address the construction industry’s need for stronger and more sustainable building materials. Their research also enhances waste management practices, offering a comprehensive solution to environmental challenges.

In November 2023, its team of engineers, material scientists and nine students from the School of Architecture & the Built Environment began a 12-month project to create biochar-based mortars for waste management company Gee Hoe Seng.

_{Ms Ang and Dr Lim testing the strength of the mortars.}

Problem statement

Mortar is essential to construction, used to bind bricks and stones together, and fill irregular gaps in between. However, its production contributes to climate change, as it partly relies on cement—a significant source of global carbon emissions.

For waste management companies like Gee Hoe Seng, the continuous search for new products and services is essential to generate revenue, grow their businesses, and remain competitive. Gee Hoe Seng has been exploring ways to market the biochar produced from its operations, recognising its potential to benefit other industries. Biochar absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping users reduce their carbon footprint.

_{Mr Goh formulating the mortars.}

Impact Achieved

Once the biochar mortars are developed, the construction industry could gain access to more environmentally friendly building materials. The team is currently experimenting with mortars made from three waste sources: wood branches, rice husks, and plastic. Time is needed to develop a formula that is simple and cost-effective for commercialisation.

_{How the mortars, made with different waste materials, look after being mixed with cement.}

The mortar paves the way for extending the use of biochar in other construction materials, said AMTC’s Manager Dr Lim Zheng Bang.

“With insights gained from our current innovation project, we aim to broaden the use of biochar-blended cementitious materials across various built environment including plaster and concrete" Dr Lim said, adding that ready-mix concrete suppliers and additive manufacturers are other types of companies that will benefit from their research.

“With insights gained from our current innovation project, we aim to broaden the use of biochar-blended cementitious materials across various built environment including plaster and concrete" Dr Lim said.