BIOCHAR: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO ASPHALT MODIFICATION AND CARBON CAPTURE

• Grant number: 25/08048-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Transportation Infrastructure
• Principal Investigator: Kamilla Vasconcelos Savasini
• Grantee: Pedrina Vitória Assis Correia
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/09789-8 - Decarbonization of transport for the benefit of society: enhancing sustainability with the integration of biochemical and thermal routes in the integral use of biomass, AP.TEM

Abstract

Biochar, a carbonized material obtained from residual biomass, has shown to be a promising alternative as a sustainable solution for road infrastructure. This research proposes the use of biochar derived from the pyrolysis of sugarcane byproducts as a modifier for asphalt binders. The samples will be prepared in a high-shear mixer and characterized by rheological and chemical analyses, in addition to undergoing accelerated aging tests (short- and long-term), and then by new characterizations to determine recyclability. The environmental performance assessment will be carried out using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), with a cradle-to-gate approach, including quantification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO2 sequestration, estimated by elemental analysis. With the objective of using biochar as a CO2 sequestering agent in road paving, the study seeks to establish a method that guarantees benefits compared to asphalt binders.