In the heart of Nigeria’s Forestry Research Institute, a groundbreaking study is challenging the status quo of construction materials, offering a promising solution for sustainable and durable building components. Aina Kehinde Sesan, a researcher at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, has been delving into the world of wood-plastic composites (WPCs), aiming to create materials that can withstand the test of time and nature’s tiny termite terrors.
Sesan’s research, recently published in the ‘Journal of Building Materials and Structures’ (translated as ‘Journal of Building Materials and Structures’), explores the durability and strength of WPCs made from recycled polythene bags and Ceiba pentandra wood particles. The study is a beacon of hope for the construction industry, particularly in termite-prone areas, and offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable building materials.
The study investigated the effects of Coptotermes curvignathus termites on the durability and strength properties of these composites. Sesan and her team created composites with varying ratios of wood particles to polyethylene powder, testing them both before and after termite exposure. The results were promising, with composite board densities ranging from 781.0 kg/m³ to 810.6 kg/m³, and strength values that varied depending on the wood-to-plastic ratio.
“The wood/polyethylene ratio significantly influences the weight, density, flexural modulus, and compressive strength of the composites after termite exposure under a tropical climate,” Sesan explained. This finding is crucial for the construction industry, as it provides a roadmap for creating durable materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
The study concluded that WPCs reinforced with Ceiba pentandra particles are highly durable, with the 40/60 wood/plastic ratio composite meeting certified standard values for graveyard tests. This means that these materials could be used in structural applications in termite-prone areas, offering a sustainable and durable alternative to traditional building materials.
The implications of this research are vast, particularly for the energy sector. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the demand for eco-friendly building materials is on the rise. Sesan’s research offers a viable solution, using recycled materials to create durable and sustainable building components.
Moreover, the study’s findings could pave the way for future developments in the field of WPCs. By understanding the impact of different wood-to-plastic ratios on the durability and strength of these materials, researchers can continue to innovate and improve upon this technology.
As Sesan puts it, “This study is just the beginning. There’s so much more to explore in the world of wood-plastic composites.” And with her groundbreaking research, she’s leading the way towards a more sustainable and durable future for the construction industry.