Department of Mining Engineering

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Browsing Department of Mining Engineering by Author "Moyosoreoluwa O. KING-OKUNEYE"

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    EFFECTS OF SAWDUST PARTICLES REINFORCEMENT ON THE MICROSTRUCTURAL, PHYSICAL, AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENT-BASED COMPOSITES: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
    (2024) Kabiru MUSTAPHA; Sikiru O. ABDULRAMAN; Moyosoreoluwa O. KING-OKUNEYE
    This study investigates the effect of varying sawdust reinforcement volumes on the physical and mechanical properties of Portland cement composites. Sawdust from a local sawmill in Moro, Kwara, Nigeria, was incorporated into cement composites at volume fractions from 40% to 90%. Composites samples were produced for physical, mechanical and microstructural characterizations. Results showed that water absorption increased with higher sawdust content, peaking at 41.78% for 90% sawdust composite, and bulk density also rose, reaching a maximum of 193.33 g/m. at 90%. Apparent void volume generally decreased with increasing sawdust content. Optimal mechanical properties were observed at 60% sawdust content, with the highest compressive strength of 20.32 MPa, flexural strength of 8.36 MPa, and fracture toughness of 0.85 MPa.m1/2, while hardness decreased with increasing sawdust, peaking at 42.99 HRBS at 40% sawdust. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform distribution of sawdust particles within the cement matrix, with improved interfacial bonding observed at the optimal 60% sawdust content, contributing to the enhanced mechanical properties of the composite. In conclusion, 60 vol.% sawdust reinforcement is optimal for enhancing the mechanical performance of Portland cement composites, offering a balance between strength and sustainability, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective, eco-friendly reinforcement for cement-based materials in sustainable construction practices.