StarchCrete: A starch-based biocomposite concrete for lightweight building material applications

StarchCrete is a novel composite material that utilizes starch as a biobased binder, replacing traditional inorganic binders. The composite was prepared using varying hemp shives ratios (from 0-1) at constant sand: corn starch: water ratio (5:1:1). The mixture was manually compacted into a mold and heated under microwave radiation. The effect of different starches on a composite's compressive strength was investigated. The result reveals that high-viscosity starch leads to strong compressive strength. Increasing the hemp shives ratio significantly reduced thermal conductivity (from 0.52 to 0.15 W/(m & sdot;K)) and thermal diffusivity (from 0.85 to 0.35 mm2/s). With its strong compressive strength (2.8 MPa), low density (887 kg/m3), and low thermal conductivity (0.18 W/(m & sdot;K)), the hemp shives ratio of 0.5 was deemed appropriate. Furthermore, coating the material with paraffin wax improved its water resistance, extending its durability from 7 to 16 days, making it suitable for industrial applications.