Wood Tar as a Waterproofing Agent for Concrete: A Sustainable Approach for Building Construction

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Concrete, a fundamental material in modern construction, is prone to water penetration, which can lead to structural degradation. Conventional waterproofing methods often rely on materials with significant environmental impacts. This study explores the use of wood tar (WT), derived from Eucalyptus wood pyrolysis, as a sustainable waterproofing agent for concrete. The WT was characterized using pH and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). With a small modification, the WT waterproofing efficacy was tested through contact angle measurements and water absorption by capillary rise within concrete. Results indicated that WT-coated concrete exhibited significantly lower water absorption and demonstrated potential as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional waterproofing methods. Although preliminary results, this research contributes to the development of sustainable building materials, driving innovation to construction practices.

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85-89

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June 2025

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© 2025 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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