Properties of Boards Made from Rice Husk and Portland cement As Binders and Reinforced with Sisal Fibres

Abstract

A research study demonstrated that rice husks can be used to manufacture boards which
can be used in low cost housing if bound by Portland limestone cement (CEM II/A-L/
32.5R) and reinforced with sisal fibers to cater for their brittle behavior and that such
boards can provide a substitute for wood panels. Boards made of rice husks and cement in
the ratios of 1/3.3, 1/ 3.6 and 1/4 and with sisal fiber reinforcement contents of 0%, 0.4%,
0.5% and 0.8% were prepared and tested for their physical and mechanical properties. The
results were compared with standard requirements for boards made with wood based fiber
and particle panel materials according to DIN 1101 and ISO 2696 and BS EN 634-2.
Results indicate that water absorption and thickness swelling decreased with an increase in
fiber content and that there is an optimum rice husk/ cement ratio and fiber content that
gives maximum flexural strength and that such boards could be used in low cost housing
construction. The use of such boards could be seen as partially solving the problem of
global warming and the problem of pollution associated with the disposal of rice husks in
developing countries.