A Feasibility Study Using Para Rubber Leaves for Prototype Lightweight Flat Sheet Production

Abstract

Utilizing para wood ash can offer an alternative method of adding value to agricultural wastes and help to conserve the environment. The feasibility of using para rubber leaves as an environmentally friendly material for prototype lightweight flat sheet production was investigated. Properties of lightweight flat sheet made from different proportions of para rubber leaves mixed with para wood ash were compared with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Morphology and element compositions of untreated and treated para rubber leaves with 20% NaOH solution were observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results showed that untreated para rubber leaves consisted mainly of the elements carbon (C) and oxygen (O), accounting for 80.35% and 17.55% by weight, respectively, with minor amounts of other elements. Treated para rubber leaves consisted mainly of C, O, and calcium (Ca) at 69.53%, 28.55%, and 1.25% by weight, respectively. Bulk density and compressive strength of the control cement paste were 1.85 g/cm3and 47.78 MPa, respectively at 28 days curing. The compressive strength of the cement composite decreased with an increase in the para rubber leaves volume fraction.