Effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of peanut shell and cement blends

Abstract

An abundance of agri-food waste in the area around Cordoba, Argentina, has driven the development of new construction materials. This study explored the applicability of peanut shells as additions in cement blends and the suitability of the properties of the resulting mixes for use in construction materials. The mechanical properties of the specimens were observed to improve when the shells were previously treated with quicklime (CaO) or when sodium silicate and aluminium sulphate were added to the blend. While the resulting materials did not exhibit the same mechanical properties as traditional mortars and concretes, they do appear to be apt for use in lightweight and non-bearing structures.

Keywords

• materials containing peanut shells
• use of agri-food waste
• peanut shell and cement materials
• lowcost materials
• mechanical properties