Researchers from IIT Hyderabad, KIIT Bhubaneswar, and Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, have developed bio-bricks as a sustainable alternative to burnt clay bricks. Made from agricultural waste like wheat straw, paddy straw and sugarcane bagasse, these eco-friendly bricks are lighter, fire-retardant, and offer better seismic resistance. They help reduce building costs, improve energy efficiency, and serve as carbon sinks. The use of bio-bricks also contributes to waste management and reduces environmental pollution.
The process involves selecting dry agricultural waste such as paddy straw, wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse, which is chopped to a desired size. This waste is then mixed with a lime-based slurry and water, using hand or mixer. The mixture is poured into molds, compacted, and left to dry for 15-20 days. Traditional additives like Bel fruit pulp and river clay slurry are added to improve strength and binding.
