Thermal Performance Enhancement of Concrete through Activated Carbon Incorporation

Concrete remains the most widely used construction material worldwide, motivating continuous efforts to improve its mechanical and thermal performance through the incorporation of functional additives. This study evaluates the effect of activated carbon microparticles, obtained from crushed charcoal, on the thermal behavior of hardened concrete while preserving its mechanical properties. Concrete mixtures were prepared using different water-to-additive proportions based on recommendations provided by CEMEX Mexico. Fresh-state performance was assessed through flowability and stability tests to verify mixture homogeneity, whereas compressive strength was determined in accordance with Mexican standards. Thermal diffusivity measurements were conducted on hardened specimens to evaluate the influence of activated carbon on heat transfer. The results showed that the incorporation of activated carbon produced a homogeneous mixture without segregation during casting or curing. The modified concrete exhibited an increase in compressive strength from 150 to 158 kg/cm² compared with the control mixture. In addition, the activated carbon enhanced the thermal diffusivity of the concrete, indicating a measurable modification of its thermal response. These findings demonstrate that activated carbon microparticles can be incorporated into conventional concrete without compromising its mechanical performance while improving its thermal characteristics, making this material a promising alternative for applications requiring enhanced thermal performance.