Influence of alkali activators on thermo-physical properties of ecofriendly unfired clay bricks from anthill mounds

Abstract

This experiment studied the effect of alkali activators on clay from anthill mounds which was blended with a small proportion of cement to develop eco-friendly unfired bricks. Physical, wet and dry compressive strength tests were investigated and the results were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the unfired bricks were also studied using Hot Disc Thermal Constant Analyzer. The microstructures of the unfired bricks were also analysed with scanning electron microscope equipment. The results of the physical tests were significantly higher at p < 0.05 for unfired bricks made up of 0.5% and 1% weights of calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide at a constant value of 1% weight of sodium silicate more than those made from other amounts of activators. The thermal performance values showed that the bricks are good insulators and could be used for the construction of structure requiring little thermal fluctuations. The study has shown that improved environment-friendly unfired clay bricks could be developed from the mixture of clay samples sourced from anthill mounds and alkali activators in addition to a little proportion of cement. These could be suitable for the construction of grain silos, low-cost structures and short-term shelters in low-income countries.

Keywords:

• Eco-friendly
• alkali
• bricks
• performance

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge Taif University Researchers Supporting Project (TURSP-2020/244), Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.