Application of bagasse in composites nano-wollastonite-reinforced gypsum base structures

In this study, the effect of nano-wollastonite on physical, mechanical and morphological properties of composites made of bagasse and gypsum was investigated. The mixing ratio of sugarcane to gypsum pulp at three levels (80:20, 70: 30 and 40: 60%) and nano-wollastonite at three levels of zero, 3 and 7% were considered as the variables of this study. The thickness of the test boards was 16 mm cake density of all boards was considered to be 1.10 gr/cm3. Then the mechanical and physical properties of the specimens including modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding, water absorption after 2 and 24 hours immersion and density of boards according to DIN-EN-634 and fire resistance (weight loss percentage) according to ISO 11925 Were measured. In this study, a thermocouple and a flask were used to measure the hydration heat. Microscopic images (SEM) were obtained from the fracture surface of the specimens to investigate the common boundary between bagasse-gypsum and nano-dispersion. The results showed that with increasing bagasse mixing, the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding decreased and water absorption and weight loss percentage of boards exposed to fire increased. Application of nano-wollastonite up to 7% improved all mechanical and physical properties of composites. Also, microscopic imaging (SEM) showed that the optimum level of nano-wollastonite can fill vacant voids due to gypsum hydration and create a uniform structure.