State-of-the-art review on the use of sugarcane bagasse ash in cementitious materials

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) has been pitched as a feasible supplement that can ease the sustainability issues associated with cementitious materials. In this respect, SCBA has been well researched with over 100 journal publications. However, there is a scarcity of comprehensive reviews detailing the research developments so far. Therefore, this study is a holistic review with a large scope, content and coverage that emanated from a comprehensive dissection of the literature. The study systematically reviewed the SCBA's origin of pozzolanicity, processing approaches, sustainability potentials, and performance in cementitious materials. The performance entailed characterisation, pozzolanic activity, microstructure refinement, fresh and rheological properties, mechanical and durability properties. SCBA processing is key to its reactivity and performance; hence, recommendations were made on the best processing approach. Performance ranging from 80 to 160% of the control (without SCBA) exist in the literature. Such performance emanates from a conservative use of about 20–25% or further processing that yields optimum contents up to 50%. This study serves as an up-to-date appraisal of data and researches related to the use of SCBA in cementitious materials.