Thermomechanical Characterization of Grewia Bicolor Bark Mucilage Reinforced Mud Bricks

Abstract

The use of local biomaterials in construction is becoming an imperative to save the planet and to reduce the cost of construction in sub-Saharan region. The aim of this research work is to study the effect of the mucilage of Grewia bicolor fiber on the properties of mud bricks. the mucilage from Grewia bicolor bark was used to stabilize raw earth bricks. Two formulations of samples are obtained. The first one is with 100% of soil and without mucilage. The second one the soil stabilized with mucilage at three different viscosities (25.30s, 20s and 10s). The output measurement are compressive and flexural strengths, as well as the thermal conductivity, thermal resistance and thermal effusivity of the composite material formulated. The results show an increase in compressive strength with the increase in viscosity of the mucilage. An increase in flexural strength when the viscosity of the mucilage is increased. A decrease in thermal conductivity when the viscosity of the mucilage is increased. An increase in thermal resistance when the viscosity of the mucilage is increased. Effusivity decreased with increasing of mucilage viscosity. These results show that the mucilage of Grewia bicolor can significantly improve the characteristics of mud bricks and this may have potential use in eco-construction for habitat.