Researchers turn algae into building material

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Brazilian scientists have found a sustainable use for invasive sargassum algae by incorporating it into lightweight ceramic clay used in construction. The brown algae, which often washes ashore in massive quantities in the Caribbean, United States, and northern Brazil, has become an environmental and health hazard when left to rot on beaches.

A team from the University of Sao Paulo, in collaboration with the Federal University of Sao Carlos, tested clays mixed with 20 per cent and 40 per cent sargassum. The samples were sintered at temperatures up to 1000 °C in z both conventional and microwave ovens.

Researchers say the approach could mitigate coastal damage, cut natural resource use, and improve energy efficiency in construction materials.