To promote diatom-based biofuel productions in clean energy, this paper explores the potential of using biosilica as a renewable and regenerative byproduct from diatom-based biofuel production in cementitious materials. High-purity diatomite (DE), a biosilica model compound, is selected to investigate the microstructure and durability performance of diatom-based cementitious composites. The replacement of portland cement with 30 wt.% DE significantly enhances the resistance to leaching, reduces the rapid chloride permeability, but increases the drying shrinkage at early ages. The microstructure of DE-containing matrix is refined due to the lime-silica reaction, and the interfacial transition zone of DE-containing concrete is densified. Overall, the DE-induced microstructural changes enhance the durability performance of DE-containing cementitious composites, which in turn demonstrates the feasibility of using biosilica as a sustainable cement substitute. The use of biosilica from diatom-based biofuel production can potentially reduce the CO2 emissions of carbon-intensive concrete production and promote the development of clean energy.
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