Recycling of Waste Cartons and Musanga cecropioides Heartwood into Composite Panels for Structural Application

Abstract

In this research, the suitability of composite panels developed from waste carton paste (WCP) and Musanga cecropioides heartwood particles (MHP) was assessed for structural applications. Proportions of the MHP adopted were 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % by weight of the composite mix. For each formulation, three representative samples were fabricated and also subjected to various tests. The results of the tests showed variations in the mean values of water absorption (8.83 – 30.35 %), thickness swelling (3.72 – 10.84 %), bulk density (342.3 – 461.6 kgm^-3), thermal conductivity (0.1166 – 0.1717 Wm^-1K^-1), thermal diffusivity (2.051 – 2.397 x 10^-7 m²s^-1), and flexural strength (1.388 – 9.636 MPa) as proportion of the MHP decreased from 100 % to 0 %. On the contrary, a positive correlation was observed in the cases of specific heat capacity (1.552 – 1.661 x 10³ Jkg^-1K^-1) and solar radiation absorptivity (12.32 – 13.32 m^-1) with respect to increase in the proportions of the MHP used. Though all the samples exhibited better performance tendencies for thermal insulation compared to conventional ceilings or partition elements used in buildings, it was observed that samples developed with more than 50 % of the MHP could not withstand nailability. Above all, waste cartons and Musanga cecropioides heartwood are promising raw materials to be considered for fabrication of low-cost composite thermal insulation panels suitable for application in building designs. This undertaking could also serve as a safe way of managing them as wastes.