Percentage Of Water Absorption Research Articles

Hydrothermal aging and soil biodegradation characteristics of biopolymer based sustainable composites

The current research endeavor examines the water absorption (in-service life) and soil biodegradation (end-of-the-service life) behavior of short sisal fiber (SF) reinforced poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and bio-based poly (butylene succinate) (bio PBS) composites. Samples were fabricated by extrusion-injection molding with varying sisal fiber loading of 10, 20, and 30 wt%. The water absorption test was conducted in distilled water at three distinct temperatures (5, 25, and 45 °C) for 336 h. The sorption behavior of composites was studied experimentally, and detailed diffusion kinetic behavior is discussed using Fickian diffusion models. The impact of fiber content and hydrothermal temperature on water diffusion and maximum water absorption was investigated in detail. A soil burial test was conducted in local farmland soil for 60 days to determine the influence of fiber content on the biodegradation characteristics of composites. After exposure to hydrothermal aging, it was concluded that fiber loading was most significant in affecting the maximum percentage of water absorption, whereas hydrothermal temperature was more relevant for higher water diffusion. Soil burial tests showed that SF/bioPBS composites degraded quickly as compared to PLA composites. Overall, composites made with bio PBS have shown an expected response than PLA composites in terms of water absorption and soil biodegradation.

Comparative investigation of mechanical properties in banana fiber and ramie fiber composites enhanced by SiC nanoparticles

This research explores into analyzing the mechanical characteristics of banana fiber and ramie fiber composites bolstered with silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles. The integration of SiC nanoparticles aims to amplify the mechanical robustness and endurance of these natural fiber composites. Through water absorption assessments, we evaluated the composites’ resistance to moisture. In addition, we assessed the mechanical performance via hardness, impact, and three-point bending tests. The results indicate a significant enhancement in the mechanical attributes of both banana and ramie fiber composites due to SiC nanoparticle inclusion. The results reveal a notable enhancement in mechanical characteristics following the incorporation of SiC nanoparticles. Notably, composites containing 8% SiC nanoparticles demonstrated the highest hardness value of 102 HV and the lowest water absorption percentage of 1.5%. In addition, these composites exhibited a superior flexural strength (80 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (4.3 GPa), alongside a maximum impact energy absorption of 18 J. These findings underscore the beneficial influence of SiC nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of the composites, including increased strength, reduced water absorption, enhanced hardness, and improved impact resistance.

Utilization of Silica Fume and Sodium Hydroxide in Treated Crumb Rubber for Cement Mortar

Cement mortar offers an excellent replacement for materials such as fine aggregate with tire rubber waste in the form of crumbs. It provides excellent environmental and technical benefits to concrete production using recycled materials. As such, it contributes to the sustainable development of the construction industry. This paper mainly emphasizes the strength of untreated and treated crumb rubber from waste tires in cement mortar. Crumb rubber that has been pre-treated with Silica fume (SF) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to improve the strength of the mortar mix. This research used a cement-aggregate mix ratio of 1:4 and a water-cement ratio of 1:2. Five different percentages of fine aggregate replacement (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12%) was selected. The compressive strength, density, and water absorption of the mortar were measured at 28 days to find optimum strength. The compressive strength of the cement mortar mixed with treated crumb rubber showed significantly higher values, with an increase of 92% for 12% treated crumb rubber by sodium hydroxide (TN12) compared to untreated crumb rubber. The density value of the mortar cube mixed with treated crumb rubber decreased when the percentage of replacement for treated crumb rubber increased. In the application of roof tiles, lower density values provide an advantage for workability during installation. For water absorption, the treated crumb rubber contributes to a lower percentage of water absorption (acceptable until 6% for SF and 9% for NaOH) compared to the control sample as untreated crumb rubber. Therefore, a mixture of mortar with treated crumb rubber, especially NaOH solution, is better than the untreated crumb rubber specimen.

Long-term properties evolution and life prediction of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic bending bars exposed in concrete alkaline environment

Glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (GFRPP) bending bars have many advantages, such as high toughness, high durability, repeated molding and recycling, which can be used in concrete structures to replace steel stirrup for solving the problems of corrosion and service life. However, the changes in the properties of GFRPP bending bars during long-term use in alkaline concrete environments require further investigation. In the present study, GFRPP bending bars were immersed in alkaline solution at 20 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C for as long as 180 d. The water absorption, hydrolysis, mechanical properties, and microscopic properties of the bending bars were evaluated to understand the long-term performance and mechanism of degradation. The bending bars had a higher saturated water absorption percentage and time along with a lower diffusion rate than the straight bars due to the presence of pores and micro-cracks formed during the bending process. The dissolution of the glass fibers in alkaline solution led to the partial mass loss of the GFRPP bars. Compared to the control, the tensile strength retention of the bending bars was 20.6%–56.0 %. The tensile failure mode changed from fiber bursting before immersion to shear fracture after immersion due to the decreased interfacial bonding strength and increased glass fiber brittleness. The primary degradation mechanisms were the etching of glass fibers, interface debonding, and increased void volume (∼23.7 %). The bending bars were more seriously eroded than the straight bars due to the twisting of the fibers and imperfect interfaces. The predicted degradation times of the GFRPP bending bars ranged from 1.7 years (Haikou) to 3.9 years (Harbin), corresponding to a stable tensile strength retention of 22.13 %. The results provide a basis for evaluating the durability and service life of GFRPP bending bars and promote the application of GFRPP composite stirrups in concrete structures.

Sustainable production of eco-friendly roofing tile using methyl ester residue as the alternative binder – A preliminary study

Making full use of industrial by-products is an effort to achieve ‘zero waste’ and promote greener development. Methyl ester residue (MER) is a waste commonly found in oleochemical manufacturers, such as palm oil mills. Contrary to conventional cement and clay, MER was employed as an alternative binder to fabricate a novel eco-friendly roofing tile, henceforth referred to as MER-RT. Parameters tested were transverse strength, water absorption, sulfate resistance, and fire resistance. During the optimization phase, a range of 6–11% of MER was mixed with a fixed composition of fly ash and fine sand, compacted and cured at 190° C for 12–48 hours. Considering the electrical energy consumption, the optimal curing duration chosen was 24 hours as this MER-RT achieved a dry transverse strength of 4112 N whereas curing for an additional 18 hours further contributed to only 16% strength gain. The optimal MER-RT was found to contain 10% MER as it showed the highest dry transverse strength (6410 N), the highest wet transverse strength (3681 N) and the lowest water absorption percentage (2.67%), meeting the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Besides exhibiting minimal corrosion under the sodium sulfate test, the optimal MER-RT was non-flammable and did not undergo structural changes when exposed to fire. The study reveals the potential of both MER and fly ash as green binders and fillers for roof tiles, despite their origins as industrial waste.

Investigation of TiO2 Nanoparticles Influence on Tensile Properties and Thermal Stability of Dry and Wet Luffa-Epoxy Nanocomposites.

Recently, progress has been made toward understanding the efficiency of polymer composites with natural fibres. With the hope of enhancing the characteristics of polymer composites supplemented with natural fibres in a watery environment, TiO2 nanoparticles have been used to improve their performance in the field. These nanoparticles were filled in luffa-epoxy components at 1, 3, and 5 % volume fractions. A combination of x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was utilized to conduct the structural examinations. The nanoparticle spread was captured by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Results show that dry nanocomposite's tensile strength and modulus have increased by 74% and, 13%, 137%, and 50% compared with epoxy and 40 vol% luffa-epoxy [E/L] composites, respectively. In wet nanocomposites, maximum reduction in tensile strength and modulus were observed as 27.4% and 16.54%, respectively. The diminished water absorption and thickness swelling percentage of nanocomposites were recorded as 98% and 91.8%, respectively. The onset temperature of these nanocomposites was scattered in the range of 379-393°C, with a maximum char residue of 38%. The increase in the percentage of residue indicates the effectiveness of epoxy's flame retardant, improved thermal stability, diminished water absorption [approximately 2%], and 95% retention of wet composites' tensile properties. These results provided data support for improving the application of nanocomposites in the automobile field.

Assessment of Some Clay Deposits from the Gercus Formation (Middle Eocene) for Brick Manufacturing in the Dokan Area, NE Iraq

The objective of this research is to evaluate the suitability of some clay deposits from the Gercus Formation (Middle Eocene) in the Dokan area, Northeastern Iraq for brick manufacturing. Physical properties of the raw material including grain size analysis and Atterberg limits showed that composed mostly of sand and silt with a minor proportion of clay and classified as muddy sand. According to the plasticity chart, the studied sample plotted on the field of silt and organic clay with low plasticity. The geochemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence revealed that composed of a low percentage of silica and alumina and a high percentage of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide. The mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction showed that the studied samples were composed of non-clay minerals (dolomite, quartz, hematite, albite, anatase, and orthoclase) and clay mineral (montmorillonite, kaolinite, and illite). Twelve ceramic briquettes were prepared from the clay sample by semi-dry pressing method and pressed by 200 kg/cm² pressure with 14 – 15 % moisture content and fired at 880, 900, and 920 °C for evaluation tests of linear firing shrinkage, apparent porosity, water absorption, bulk density, efflorescence, and compressive strength. Results of physical and mechanical properties of the studied ceramic briquettes compared with the specification of Iraqi standard (1993) for clay brick manufacture, according to this specification the studied sample was not suitable for brick manufacturing due to a high percentage of water absorption and low compressive strength.

Physical and mechanical properties of mycelium-based fiberboards

Mycelium-based fiberboards were evaluated as potential environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional wood-based composites. The goal of this study was to produce and test fiberboards out of yellow pine and poplar fiber mixtures without using any extra adhesive. Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum fungi were used. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the fiberboards were tested under the influence of two different types of fungi and two different incubation periods. The key findings indicated that the mycelium-based fiberboards had higher water absorption and thickness swelling percentages compared to control boards produced with adhesives. The fiberboards produced from fibers inoculated with Ganoderma lucidum and incubated for 30 days had higher mechanical properties compared to other test fiberboards. This indicated the possibility of utilizing them in specific applications. Although the mycelium-based fiberboards did not fully meet all the EN 622-5 (2009) standard requirements for dry-condition use, the results highlighted their potential in sustainable material development. This study provided useful insights into the utilization of mycelium for the development of mycelium-based fiberboards.

Durability effect of reclaimed asphalt aggregate on concrete road pavement

The use of recycled aggregates instead of natural aggregates used in concrete reduces environmental pollution and concrete costs. Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) aggregate used as recycled aggregate has a lower water absorption than natural aggregate due to its bituminous structure, which reduces the water requirement of fresh concrete. In this study, it was aimed to determine the optimum use of RAP particles as aggregate in concrete for read pavements and to determine their durability properties. For this purpose, RAP was used instead of crushed stone aggregate used in concrete road construction. RAP was used by replaced aggregate 0%, 25%, 50% and 100% of the crushed stone aggregate used on the concrete road. The dose of the produced concrete was 350 kg/m3 and the water/cement ratio was kept constant as 0.45. The fresh workability and air content of concretes containing RAP were determined. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, electrical resistivity value, accelerated corrosion test of hardened concretes were subjected to corrosion resistance, water absorption and porosity percentage, acid resistance, ultrasonic pulse rate and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) analyzes were determined. In the experimental results, it has been observed that the use of RAP ratio of 25% and 50% remains within the limit values for concrete pavement. It is recommended to be used on reinforced concrete roads that will be exposed to adverse environmental conditions with its high corrosion resistance, thanks to its anti-corrosion feature.

Effect of partial replacement of volcanic ashes by waste iron powder on the properties of phosphate inorganic polymers

This study focuses on the effect of partial replacement of volcanic ash (VA) by waste iron powder in the synthesis of phosphate inorganic polymers (PIPs) based of volcanic ashes. For this purpose, 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of the waste iron powder were substituted for those of two volcanic ash named MaJ and Mbo. Subsequently, all the powders were mixed with a solution of H3PO4 (6 M) with a liquid/solid mass ratio of 0.45. The raw materials were characterized by XRF, BET, XRD and FTIR. In addition to these characterization techniques, the obtained synthesis products were also characterized by Optical Microscopy. The properties of the 28-day old specimens were evaluated by determining the compressive strength, density, percentage water absorption and porosity. The results obtained show that the increase in iron powder waste leads to a decrease in compressive strength and density and, in parallel, an increase in porosity and water absorption. In combination with the BET analyses, the observation of the optical micrographs shows that for a partial replacement of 10% of the ash powder (Mbo) by the iron powder waste leads to an increase in the specific surface of the synthesis products and an increased presence of voids within the Mbo-based specimens. On the other hand, for the same content, we observe an occupation of the pores within the MaJ-based specimens. All these results show that iron powders wastes lead to an expansion of the pore volumes in our materials and make them more fragile. Therefore, iron powders can be used as a pore-forming agent in the synthesis of porous Mbo-based PIPs and as fillers for MaJ based PIPs.

Performance of castor oil polyurethane resin in composite with the piassava fibers residue from the Amazon

The use of castor oil in producing polyurethane resins has been identified as one of the most promising options for the industry. The piassava fibers waste generated by the industry on a large scale presents excellent properties as a reinforcing agent due to its high lignin content characterized by chemical tests and FTIR. Composite boards consisting of a higher content of mercerized piassava fibers (10 mm, 85 wt.%) reinforced polyurethane castor oil-based resin (prepolymer (PP) and polyol (OM)) exhibited excellent performance. Composites with these properties have strong potential for medium-density applications ranging from biomedical prosthetics to civil partition walls and insulation linings. Alkali treatment removed the superficial impurities of piassava fibers, activating polar groups, and physical characterization reported excellent performance for all composites. Among the composites, the CP3 sample (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 1.2:1—PP:OM)) stood out with higher density and lower swelling and water absorption percentage than other composites. FTIR results indicated NCO traces after the resin cured in the PU3 (1.2:1—PP:OM), possibly contributing to the interaction with the fibers. DMA results reported relevant information about more flexibility to CP1 (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 0.8:1—PP:OM)) and CP3 than CP2 (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 1:1—PP:OM)). The results suggest that the proper combination with natural products must lead to composites with potential applications as engineering materials.

COMPRESSIVE AND BENDING STRENGTH OF CHAMBO ARTISANAL BRICKS WITH ADDITION OF RECYCLED GLASS POWDER

This article describes the main findings obtained when implementing recycled glass powder as an ingredient in the production of artisanal bricks in the Chambo canton, with the aim of improving their mechanical properties. The characterization of the brick's raw material (soil and ash) was carried out, followed by the fabrication of bricks with the addition of glass powder (PV), using the artisanal procedure with only the modification of adding glass powder to the mixture. The results indicate that the soil used as the main raw material is classified, according to the SUCS methodology, as a well-graded sand with silt (SW-SM). Modified bricks with glass powder show up to 240% compressive strength and 220% flexural strength capability compared to traditional bricks when using 8% to 12% glass powder dosage in the mixture. Additionally, both traditional and modified bricks exhibit a water absorption percentage between 25% and 26%. The procedures, as well as the interpretation and contrast of the results, are based on the guidelines established by the Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization (INEN).

Assessment of Concrete Hollow Blocks Incorporating Polyethylene Terephthalate (PRT) and Copper Slag as a Commercial Concrete Alternative

The increasing demand for durable and sustainable concrete driven by population growth and urbanization, highlights the need for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete, by innovating and recycling the top waste made by industries, given the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the environmental impact of concrete production. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) waste accounts for up to 13.9% of all waste plastics, posing a serious hazard to the environment and ecology both on land and in oceans (Ye et al., 2023); similarly, copper slag, a by-product of the smelting and processing of copper ore, is generated at a rate of 2.2 tons per ton of copper produced, leading to an annual figure of 24.6 million tons of slag (Gabasiane et al., 2021). With this, researchers are still finding ways to search for an alternative to lessen the environmental waste whilst contributing to the construction industry. Subsequently, this study aims to test the viability and effectiveness of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Copper Slag-induced concrete hollow blocks as an alternative to traditional commercial concrete hollow blocks. The researchers used a Post-Test Only Controlled Group Design, providing a complete understanding of their effect on concrete performance. By utilizing purposive sampling, the researchers were able to select shredded PET as their chosen samples. The raw data from the test results of varying ratios were treated using ANOVA. In terms of compressive strength and water absorption percentage, the 30-70 ratio emerged as the most durable, while in density, the commercial concrete displayed the highest amount. Upon comparative analysis, the results from the data treatment shows a significant difference in incorporating Polyethylene Terephthalate and Copper slag into concrete, specifically the 30% PET and Copper slag to 70% cement ratio, therefore rejecting the null hypothesis. It is advised to explore more ratios to accommodate different construction demands and have a minimum curing time of 28 days before testing the qualities of the said concrete hollow blocks.

Effect of Coupling Agent on the Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber/ Polypropylene Composite

Natural fibre matrix composites have been utilized in numerous industries, including the automotive, construction, and aerospace sectors. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used in this study to examine the effect of the coupling agent on the properties of a composite-produced using pineapple leaf fibre. The weight ratios of pineapple leaf fibre, polypropylene, and MAPP were 20g:180g, 15g:180g:5g, and 10g:180g:10g, respectively. The materials were mixed using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder machine at 170 °C and 50 rpm. The composite was then manufactured by injection molding at 185 °C. The mechanical and physical properties of PALF composite were examined by using a tensile test, impact test, and water absorption test. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to characterize the thermal properties of PALF/PP, and PALF/PP/MAPP composite. The surface morphology and fracture surface of the composite was characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Compared to the composite containing 5 g of MAPP, the tensile strength composite containing 10 g of MAPP produced a stronger interfacial bond. According to the impact test, adding more MAPP increases the material's strength and stress transmission. The average percentage of water absorption indicates low water absorption after the addition of the coupling agent. It can be concluded that the addition of a coupling agent improved the composite's properties.

Developing Low Cost Eco-friendly Restoration Mortars for Historic Lime-based Stucco and Building Materials

In this work, three formulations based on hydrated lime and eco-friendly additives of powdered brick, fly ash and silica fume were designed to improve repair mortars for historic lime-based stucco and building materials. The microscopic features, physical-mechanical behavior and the microstructure of the prepared mortars were evaluated before and after artificial ageing (by humidity/drying cycles and salt weathering). However, a significant mechanical enhancement was reported for the studied mixes, but the silica fume mix showed a notable failure after salt ageing. The fly ash mix revealed the highest bulk density ratio (1.172 g/cm3) compared to the lime and silica fume mixes. The silica fume mix recorded the lowest percentage of water absorption (35.56%) and apparent porosity (28.11%). Further, the silica fume mix yielded the highest dry compressive strength value (22.19 kg/cm2), with an increase reached 31% when compared to the standard lime mix. The results demonstrated that the fly ash mortar is more compatible for sustainable restoration procedures of historic lime-based structures in respect of the physical-mechanical properties.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ULTRAFINE CLAY-WOOD DUST HYBRID REINFORCED RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE MATRIX COMPOSITE FOR SEMI-STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS

This research involves the production of polymer matrix composites as a combination of ultrafine clay, wood dust and recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) where the matrix is recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, and the dispersed phase (hybrid fillers) are ultrafine clay and wood dust. The proportion of recycled PET used for composite production varied from 97 wt% - 99 wt%, while that of wood dust varied from 0.5 wt% - 2 wt% and ultrafine clay from 0.5 wt% - 2 wt%. Physical tests including porosity, water absorption and flammability tests were also carried out on the developed samples. Results obtained from physical tests revealed that the densities of ultrafine clay-wood dust hybrid reinforced recycled PET composites (1.051 - 1.209 g/cm3) were relatively higher than those of ultrafine clay reinforced recycled PET composites and wood dust reinforced recycled PET composite. The WD2 composite sample has the least experimental density value of 0.793 g/cm3. The percentage water absorption rate of the wood dust reinforced recycled PET composites were relatively higher than the ultrafine clay reinforced recycled PET composites. The percentage water absorption rate of the hybrid reinforced recycled PET composites were in between those of the wood dust reinforced and ultrafine clay reinforced fillers. The UFC0.5 composite sample (0.5 wt% ultrafine clay, 0 wt% wood dust reinforced 99.5 wt% recycled PET composite sample) has the least percentage water absorption value of 0.12846535 when compared to other samples. The porosity of the hybrid reinforced recycled PET composite samples were relatively lower than the control sample and separately reinforced samples with ultrafine clay and wood dust. However, HB1 composite sample has the least % porosity value of 1.1563. UFC2 has the least flame propagation rate of value of 0.05482456 mm/s.
 Keywords: Ultrafine Clay, Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polymer Matrix Composite, Wood Dust.

Effect of thermocycling on the retentive force of the retentive inserts in three denture attachments and their water absorption ability.

This study aimed to evaluate the thermocycling effect on the retentive force of 3 different retentive inserts in 3 denture attachments (Blue, Pink, Clear retentive inserts in LOCATOR; Blue, Pink, Clear retentive inserts in LOCATOR R-Tx; and White, Yellow, Green retentive inserts in Novaloc) (n=10). Maximum retentive force of each retentive insert was evaluated at baseline, 7-day water storage, and after 5,000-, and 10,000- cycle thermocycling. The water absorption percentage of the retentive inserts was also determined. Comparing between baseline and 7-day water storage, the retentive forces of the LOCATOR and LOCATOR R-Tx groups were significantly reduced (p<0.05), while the retentive force of the Novaloc group was significantly increased (p<0.05). Comparing between 7-day water storage and 10,000-cycle thermocycling, the retentive force of most retentive inserts remained unchanged (p>0.05). The water absorption percentage of the LOCATOR and LOCATOR R-Tx groups was significantly greater than that of the Novaloc group (p<0.05).

Fired electrical porcelain scrap (chamotte waste) recycling and reuse as an alternative raw material for sustainable porcelain stoneware production

The development of new sustainable ceramic formulations that incorporate industrial waste is a practice that meets the efficiency and sustainability criteria that today's society demands for an industry with high energy and non-renewable mineral sources consumption. In this research, fired electrical porcelain scrap (chamotte waste) was recycled and reused in the porcelain stoneware manufacture, partially replacing the quartz and feldspar from the triaxial system at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 wt%. The experimental samples were obtained after uniaxial pressing of ceramic mixture powders at 30 MPa and firing at 1260 °C following a fast-firing process (90 min cold to cold). The technological properties were studied by bulk density, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, water absorption, cold crushing strength, and Vickers microhardness. The microstructural aspects and the amount of crystalline and amorphous phases in the ceramic bodies were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The best technical characteristics were achieved with the incorporation of 15 wt% of chamotte in the new ceramic formulations, yielding a density value of 2.41 g/cm3, and percentages of linear shrinkage and water absorption of 11.2 and 0.08 %, respectively, as well as mechanical resistance of 314.94 MPa and microhardness of 7.07 GPa. The mechanical resistance achieved by the experimental sample containing 15 wt% of chamotte waste means six times the value obtained by the control sample (0 wt% of chamotte addition) and was attributed to a higher mullite phase content and well-dispersed crystals (primary and secondary mullite) in the ceramic body. The results suggest and advance in the design and development of a best-performance porcelain stoneware materials elaborated by a sustainable and ecological route.

Production and Characterization of Bricks from Bottom Ash and Textile Sludge Using Plastic Waste as Binding Agent

The production of traditional clay bricks consumes a large amount of energy and resources and can lead to the depletion of natural resources like clay. On the contrary, the improper disposal of waste materials such as bottom ash, textile sludge, and plastic waste can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. Bricks and concrete blocks have been widely used in construction, but the continuous exploitation of raw materials can negatively impact the environment. This study aimed to produce bricks made from municipal solid waste, incinerated bottom ash, and textile sludge, using plastic waste as a binder. It assessed the potential use of these bricks as an alternative material for brick block production. The physical and chemical characteristics of the raw materials were determined using standard test methods. The crushed plastic waste was melted and mixed with dried textile sludge and bottom ash in various ratios, including 1 : 1 : 1, 2 : 1 : 1, 1 : 2 : 1, 1 : 1 : 2, and 1 : 2 : 2 for plastic, municipal incinerated bottom ash, and textile sludge, respectively. The mixed sample was then placed into molds until it dried, and the resulting bricks were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence, and leachability. The results indicated that the bricks had suitable physical and chemical properties, with compressive strength ranging from 8.527 to 16.4 MPa and water absorption percentages ranging from 1.3 to 3.4%. Slight efflorescence was observed for the 1 : 2 : 2 ratios. The production of traditional clay bricks consumes a large amount of energy and resources and can lead to the depletion of natural resources like clay. On the other hand, the improper disposal of waste materials such as bottom ash, textile sludge, and plastic waste can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards.

PHYSICO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITE MATERIAL REINFORCED WITH CARBONIZED CASSAVA BACK PEEL AND IRON FILLINGS

The use of natural particles as reinforcement in polymers has been a growing research area. This study aims to explore the use of cassava back peel (CCBP) and iron-fillings (IF), as reinforcement material in epoxy resin-based composite. Composite plates were prepared for the casting of the epoxy resin reinforced with CCBP and IF composites using a hand lay-up technique. The percentage compositions by weight of the CCBP varied between 0%-10 %, while that of IF was kept constant (5%). The physico-mechanical behaviours of CCBP-reinforced epoxy polymer composites were studied using ASTM standards. The density of the epoxy resin was improved by the reinforcements. The maximum density obtained was 1270 kg/cm3 for 5%CCBP epoxy composite. The percentage of water absorption improved by the addition of the filler with 5%IF10CCBP epoxy hybrid composite recording 30% water absorption. Conversely, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and breaking strength (BS) varied with the addition of the filler materials. 5%CCBP epoxy composite recorded 41.26 MPa for both UTS and BS. Meanwhile, percentage elongation decreased with the addition of the fillers showing that the composites became less ductile. The HBN of epoxy was improved with the addition of fillers. The composites can be applied to automobile dashboards.