Development of Bio-treated Oil Palm Fiber Reinforced Kaolin Matrix Composites for Building Bricks Application

Abstract

Geopolymers have been synthesized using metakaolin produced from kaolinites extracted from several regional soils. To obtain higher strength and stiffness, the geopolymer matrix is reinforced with fiber. In addition, synthetic, natural particles and fibers have been used to enhance durability, thermal properties and shrinkage ratio of the lighter geopolymer composites. Owing to the unavailability of a standard for processing and testing the geopolymer composites, different procedures currently being used are making data comparison very difficult. The promising market of geopolymer and ceramics matrix composites for the sustainable construction industry would benefit from a uniform standard for laboratory processing and testing. This would contribute to the creation of a large and reliable data bank and facilitate the manufacture and certification of geopolymeric- and/or ceramic-based sustainable construction materials. This study developed palm oil fiber reinforced kaolin matrix composites for building bricks. The effects of chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of the oil palm fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites were examined. The water absorption rate of treated developed samples was lower in comparison with untreated samples, and hence the chemical treatment enhances the mechanical properties of the material.