Influence of type of binder and size of plant aggregate on the hygrothermal properties of bio-concrete

This study investigated the two innovant and high energy efficient corn stalk concretes based on magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as binders and corn stalk (CS) as plant aggregate. Three different sizes of corn stalks were employed to produce the concrete. The effect of type of binder and size of corn stalk on the hygrothermal, mechanical and microstructure properties of corn stalk concrete were studied. The results revealed that MPC-CS concrete exhibited higher sorption and water vapor permeability as compared to OPC-CS concrete and both binders showed excellent thermal performance. The size of corn stalk was more influential in changing the water absorption, capillary saturation, and thermal properties. Whereas, MPC-CS concrete showed better mechanical performance as compared to OPC-CS concrete. Microstructure analysis of concrete showed that MPC binder had superior cohesion properties and compatibility with corn stalk as compared to OPC binder, which also validated the mechanical results. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.