Sustainable development of cement-bonded boards: evaluating physico-mechanical properties of waste paper and bagasse composites

The overexploitation of forest resources for construction purposes has led to the utilization of waste materials for recycled composites. This study examined the sustainable development of Cement Bonded Board from bagasse and waste paper. Three levels of mixing ratios (MR) 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, were used for this study. Particles from these wastes were milled, pre-treated, and dried, after which they were weighed and put in polythene. Particles were mixed with a mixing machine and the mould was spread on plates which have been previously covered with polythene sheets. The plate is then transferred to the wooden press to press at a pressure of 1.23N/mm2. After pressing for 24 hours, the mould plate is removed from the press and mould and allowed to set for 28 days. Boards produced were cut into test samples. Test were done according to ASTM D 1037-06a and ASTM D 7519-11. The results showed that MOE and MOR increased with an increase in MR. For paper, the MOE recorded showed that 4:1 has the highest value of 4154.97 N/mm2 and 2:1 with the lowest value of 2173.93 N/mm2 while for MOR 4:1 also has a value of 4.74 N/mm2 and 2:1 has the lowest value of 9.07 N/mm2. For bagasse, the MOE recorded showed 4:1/486.06 N/mm2 and 2:1/271.53 N/mm2 while for MOR 4:1/ 2.05 N/mm2 and 2:1/ 0.82 N/mm2. However, TS and WA had an inverse relationship MR for bagasse (2:1/ 6.11 %, 4:1/4.8 %) while for paper TS (2:1/2.24 %, 4:1/1.75 %). WA for bagasse (4:1 /28.30 %, 2:1/ 35.56 %) while for paper (4:1 /25.60 %, 2:1/ 39.02 %). The strongest and most dimensionally stable boards were produced at the highest mixing ratio of bagasse and paper. These two waste materials can be utilized in the production of sustainable materials that can be used in eco-friendly construction.