Processing of Silts and Sargassum-Based Geopolymer Bricks

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Utilization of silt deposits and sargassum as a raw material for construction of bricks is one of the most effective solution to lessen wastes and pollution generated from industrial and agricultural activities. The brick industry is the most indicated technological activity sector to absorb solid waste due to the large quantity of raw materials used as well as the large volume of materials used for the construction of outer and inner walls of buildings. The study sought to determine if the silt wastes and sargassum is capable of becoming an alternative accessory component in the construction of bricks.

METHODS

The experiments were conducted by varying the ratio of silt waste-to-sediment-to-sargassum-to-cement (4:4:2:3) and curing oven temperature of 210°C for 18 hours. Crushing, pulverizing and sieving were done to obtain the desired material. Sargassum, was pulverized by means of mortar and pestle. Then, all the components were mixed together with the right proportion to reach the qualities of a standard brick. Physical property, percentage of water absorption, compression and flexural strength of the bricks were determined and tested after the firing process.

RESULTS

The average percentage of the water absorption is 16.43% which falls under the ideal range of acceptability for bricks which is 20%. Moreover, the sargassum helps lowering the vitrification temperature in brick firing from 1000 °C to 210 °C, as well as integrating it as a fluxing agent. Furthermore, the bricks were sent for another testing such as compression strength and flexural strength. Based on the compressive strength test result of the silt and sargassum bricks, it obtained an average strength of 2.8 Mpa and it signifies that it almost leveled to the minimum standard test for bricks considering that the ratio is not the same as the commercialized bricks. in addition, the flexural strength of the three samples has an average of 0.6 which makes it a good brick capable of withstanding bending forces applied on it.

DISCUSSIONS

Results revealed that silt and sargassum is a potential alternative component for brick production because it obtains the minimum megapascal of commercial bricks which is 1.6 to 1.9. The limited equipment of Taganito NHS Science Laboratory prompted researchers to find an institution with equipment that can fire bricks on the required temperature. This research work can be used as a basis for further experiments on the potential of silt waste and sargassum for concrete and ceramic wares.