Impact of Styrene Acrylic Emulsion (SAE) Treatment and Curing Conditions on the Water Absorption, Porosity and Air Permeability of Oil Palm Shell Lightweight Concrete

Oil Palm Shell (OPS) concrete, a promising alternative to conventional aggregates, remains underutilized in the construction industry due to its unique physical properties. This study addresses the challenge of enhancing OPS concrete performance by investigating the effects of surface treatment with Styrene Acrylic Emulsion (SAE) and various curing conditions on its properties over a 90-day period. The research involved treating OPS with SAE at different volume percentages and evaluating the resultant lightweight concrete under three curing methods: normal water (NW), alternative curing (AC), and open (EC). Comprehensive testing assessed physical performance, including compressive strength, water absorption, air permeability, and porosity. Results indicated significant improvements in OPS concrete properties post-treatment. Specifically, concrete treated with 10% SAE and cured with NW exhibited a 34% increase in compressive strength compared to untreated OPS concrete. Additionally, SAE treatment effectively reduced water absorption, air permeability and porosity by up to 37% and 66%, respectively. The study also highlighted that NW curing yielded superior performance, attributed to enhanced cement hydration. This research underscores the importance of surface treatment and optimal curing conditions in improving OPS concrete's durability and usability in light structural applications, paving the way for its broader adoption in sustainable construction.