Evaluation of the thermo-physic, acoustic, and mechanical performance of innovative hydrochar-modified plasters

This study investigates the integration of hydrochar, derived from municipal solid waste, into cement-lime-based plasters to enhance their thermo-acoustic and mechanical properties. The research begins by analyzing the thermo-physical properties of hydrochar, revealing its exceptional thermal stability exceeding 200 °C. The porous nature of hydrochar proves to be advantageous, positively impacting the thermal characteristics of the plasters. Notably, the innovative plaster exhibits a significant reduction in thermal conductivity, dropping from 1 Wm −2 K −1 to approximately 0.7 Wm −2 K −1 . Despite a lower density of about 10% compared to the standard plaster, the hydrochar-modified plaster maintains good acoustic and mechanical performance. Transmission loss remains stable at 60 dB varying the thickness of the plaster while compressive and flexural strengths reduce by 2%, due to the higher percentage of water used (from 22% to 26%) to guarantee the same workability of the plasters and to distribute the hydrochar uniformly in the mix design. • Production of hydrochar and incorporation on cement and lime-based plasters. • Use of waste material into conventional building ones. • Thermo-physical characterization of hydrochar. • Multi-physical investigation of standard and innovative plasters. • Evaluation of thermal, acoustic, surface and mechanical properties of the plasters.