Mechanical Properties and Radon Gas Emanation Analysis of Composite Bricks Reinforced With Cellulose Nanofibrils and Graphene Oxide

Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) and cellulose nanofibrils from pineapple leaf (PLCNF) and sugarcane bagasse (SCBCNF) have been utilized to observe the mechanical enhancement in composite bricks and radon reduction levels. The cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were produced using alkaline treatment and modified Hummer's method was used to synthesize GO. Control brick and composite bricks were fabricated using Malaysia Standard (MS 7.6:1972) with distinct ratios, embedded by CNFs and GO materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) were performed to analyze the crystallinity and functional groups in the CNFs. Surface morphology was analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) to confirm the structural and nanosize of PL and SCBCNF. Mechanical characterization using universal testing machine was applied for compression test and Radex MR107+ was used to monitor Radon gas. The highest compressive strength was recorded in PLCNF/GO brick 4 which is 16.092 MPa compared to control and commercial concrete brick with value of 8.482 and 15.681 MPa, respectively, and radon gas emanation was reduced up to 50% compared to the control. These findings underscore the dual benefits of incorporating CNFs and GO into composite bricks, offering superior mechanical performance and enhanced health safety through radon gas mitigation, demonstrating their potential for sustainable and safe materials for multiple applications.