For decades, builders have dismissed desert sand as unsuitable for construction. Its grains are too fine and too smooth to lock together properly in conventional concrete, so companies rely heavily on river and quarry sand instead. Now, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), as reported by Norwegian SciTech News, have developed a way to transform this so-called “useless” desert sand into a workable building material—by adding wood scraps.
A Botanical Binder
The research team created what they call “botanical sand concrete.” Instead of relying entirely on traditional cement as the main binder, they use lignin, a natural polymer found in wood. Forestry and paper industries generate large amounts of lignin-rich wood waste, giving the material a practical and abundant source.
When engineers mix powdered wood with desert sand and apply heat and pressure, the lignin softens and actively binds the sand grains together. By heating the mixture to around 180°C and compressing it, the team forms solid blocks with promising mechanical strength. Laboratory tests show that the material can withstand stresses suitable for paving stones, sidewalks, and other non-load-bearing uses.
A More Sustainable Alternative
This innovation could ease the environmental strain caused by excessive sand mining. Construction companies extract billions of tons of river and coastal sand each year, damaging ecosystems in the process. At the same time, deserts contain enormous reserves of sand that industries rarely use. By combining desert sand with plant-based waste, researchers directly address both problems.
The method may also reduce carbon emissions. Cement production releases significant amounts of CO₂, but lignin-based binders could partially replace cement in certain applications. Researchers continue to test the material’s durability in different climates and are working to scale up the process efficiently.
If industry adopts this approach, engineers could transform desert regions into valuable sources of sustainable construction materials and redefine how the world thinks about sand.
