Use of modified palm kernel shell particles composite blend with cement or clay as alternative material for block production

Simon Ikechukwu Ichetaonye,Moses Ebiowei Yibowei,Ugonna Kingsley Ugo,Sarah Bill Ulaeto,Tajudeen Olaniyi Adekeye,Kingsley Kema Ajekwene,Chima Kenneth Oguzie

doi:10.1007/s41062-022-00740-z

Abstract

This study presents the potential of modified Palm Kernel Shell (MPKS) particles in the production of blocks as an alternative building material using cement or clay as binders. Several studies on Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) as a blend with other natural fibres/fillers found that due to its hydrophilic nature, it has low physical and mechanical capabilities in comparison to MPKS, making it less compatible with any polymeric matrix. Experimental tests were conducted to determine the physico-mechanical attributes of MPKS/Cement and MPKS/Clay blocks, including characterization of the cement and clay using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), as well as moisture content, water absorption, hardness, apparent porosity, bulk density, compressive strength, and flake. The morphology of the samples was determined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results show that MPKS/Cement block samples exhibit superior physicomechanical and morphological properties compared to MPKS/Clay. The MPKS/Cement block sample moisture content ranged between 4.76 and 9.94%. The 80/20 MPKS/Cement sample recorded the most water absorption at 49.5%, and a microhardness value of 82.3 Hv for the 20/80 sample. The MPKS/Clay samples showed higher values of apparent porosity but recorded the least bulk density in the 80/20 samples. The 20/80 MPKS/Cement and MPKS/Clay samples showed the best compressive strength at 63.72 and 50.3 N/mm2, respectively, while 80/20 for both cement and clay displayed very weak compressive strengths. The ratio 20/80 of MPKS/Cement is observed to be the optimum ratio where better properties of the composites were obtained. For the structure industry’s long-term viability, MPKS’ superior mechanical properties as an aggregate in block manufacturing make it an asset material as an alternative for some high-cost construction resources such as sand.

Highlights

One of the reasons for building collapse in Nigeria has been attributed to the use of sub-standard building materials [1], many of which are imported, expensive, and not suited for the local environment
This study presents the potential of modified Palm Kernel Shell (MPKS) particles in the production of blocks as an alternative building material using cement or clay as binders
Experimental tests were conducted to determine the physicomechanical attributes of MPKS/Cement and MPKS/Clay blocks, including characterization of the cement and clay using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), as well as moisture content, water absorption, hardness, apparent porosity, bulk density, compressive strength, and flake

Summary

Introduction

One of the reasons for building collapse in Nigeria has been attributed to the use of sub-standard building materials [1], many of which are imported, expensive, and not suited for the local environment. Natural fibres due to their abundance and easy access bring down the cost of construction, enhance the tensile and compressive strength of the construction material, lightweight and corrosion-resistant [8] Regardless of these recorded benefits, they come with some drawbacks as they are susceptible to alkali attack by the pore water present in the cement matrix [10]. Ichetaonye et al.[11] investigated the use of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) and Balanite shell for sustainable alternative ceiling boards. They suggested that the negative effects of natural fibre as a filler could be mitigated by altering the filler-matrix interface interactions with chemical treatments. To maximize the cement hydration process, they suggested that reinforced particles be treated

Methods

Results

Conclusion