Abstract
Fine particles of the groundnut hull and cow horn samples were prepared and subjected to hydration experiments with Portland cement with the moisture content maintained around 12%. All the compatibility factor values were very well above 60% making the different combinations appropriate for particleboard production. Metal analyses suggested high concentrations of Ca in both samples with values of 62.68 ± 0.47 wt% and 42.44 ± 1.86 wt% for the cow horn and groundnut hull samples, respectively. Potassium was also present in high concentrations but was lower than that of calcium. The cow horn was found to be a good substitute for the synthetic CaCl2 additives. Combinations of FeCl3 with the cow horn gave better compatibility (CA) between the groundnut hull particles and the Portland cement due to chelation, with the hot‐water‐treated samples being the best. Bond formation was established through the hydroxyl (–OH), carbonyl (C=O), esters or ethers (C–O), and amide (N–H) functional groups on the groundnut hall samples. Storage over a period of time also gave a better compatibility of the groundnut hull sample with cement even in the absence of hot‐water pretreatments and chemical additives.
Highlights
Availability of Sample. e groundnut hulls which are considered to be waste, was found to be about 28.5% of the whole fruit. is low value was attributed to the size of the seed which makes up the majority of the fruit. e edibility and its high economic value of the seed resulted in the constant cultivation which makes the hulls readily available. e physical properties of the samples used showed that the groundnut hull is a solid and brownish in colour while the bone was obtained as white solid. e starting groundnut hull sample was light brown but turned dark brown when treated with hot water. is was attributed to the slight oxidation process; it went through due to the increase in temperature
It can be concluded that both the groundnut hull and the cow horn samples are appropriate for the production of the particleboards since all the Compatibility Test. e compatibility factors (CCAA) values obtained from hydration experiments were greater than 60%
The cow horn was found to be a good substitute for the synthetic chemical additives which are becoming more expensive coupled with their doubtful state of purity
Summary
The use of wood-based products has been on the increase coupled with the need for low-cost building materials, household facilities, and production of cooking fuel that meet all health requirements. ese have been attributed to the ever growing world population which has led to rapid deforestation [1]. e need for cheap, nonwooddependent alternatives was an immediate remedy for this problem and a potential to assist in satisfying the need for wood was found in agricultural residue bres such as those of the groundnut hulls [2, 3]. e bene ts of utilizing agricultural residues for wood composite panels include developing a value-added product from a bre source that is currently not well utilized as well as decreasing the demand for wood bre.Agricultural residues, considered to be wastes because they are not properly managed (utilized and disposed) causing more harm and having adverse effects on the environment [4], ful ll the purpose of the production of high-performance cement-bonded particleboards utilized as cheap building materials. ese residues, in combination with cement, an inorganic binder, have been used in the production of valuable panels used in the construction of schools and residential homes in many countries [5]. K, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn are present in both samples, adding cow horn to groundnut hull as additive will further increase the concentration of these metals in the composite, leading to more bond formation.
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