Potential of raffia nanofibrillated cellulose as a reinforcement in extruded earth-based materials

Abstract

The production of cellulose in the nano-scale size and their application as a reinforcement in the construction materials have gained increasing attention due to their unique properties, such as high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, and large specific surface area. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical, physical and thermal behaviour of extruded earth-based matrix reinforced with 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%wt. of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC). The results have shown that the mechanical nanofibrillation process of fibre improves its thermal stability. Their inclusion in an earthen matrix satisfactorily increases flexural strength and specific energy, while there is no significant increase in the composite's water absorption and thermal conductivity. The inclusion of a less than 0.5%wt. of raffia NFC contributes to fill the voids and arrest the propagation of nanoscale crack and improve the packing density of the earth-based composite for the development of the eco-friendly housing solution.

Keywords

• Raffia nanofibrillated cellulose
• Earth-based building materials
• Flexural strength
• Thermal stability
• Thermal conductivity
• Drying shrinkage