Physical Properties and Mechanical Properties of Para Rubber Wood Fly Ash Brick

Abstract

Para rubber wood fly ash (PWFA), the environmentally and healthily harmful waste from biomass power plant, can be applied for numerous purposes. This study aimed to use PWFA in Portland cement as a mixture. Design of three categories in which each contains the proportion of PWFA, Portland cement, and sand as following 50:45:5, 60:35:5 and 70:25:5 at water-binder (W/B) ratios of 0.80, 1.07 and 1.76 respectively. Test of physical properties and the compressive strength of standard brick according to Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) 1505-2541 revealed that the proportion of PWFA influenced over the product properties not only density but also the percentage of absorption. The decrease of density when added more proportion of PWFA leading to increase the percentage of water absorption which due to the higher surface area of PWFA causes water retention. The compressive strength values were reduced when increase the proportion of PWFA due to its porosity and low chemical composition (SiO2, Al2O3). These results can be affected from the pozzolanic reaction in producing solidified bricks. It can be concluded that PWFA-contained brick is recommended to apply for non-load-bearing structures: decorative bricks, paving bricks and etc.