Open AccessCharacteristic and microstructural study on an alternate material in brick manufacturing
Author(s) -
P. Priya,
S. Vanitha,
Meyyappan Palaniappan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/955/1/012038
Subject(s) - vermicompost , brick , scanning electron microscope , porosity , materials science , microstructure , absorption of water , metallurgy , composite material , chemistry , nutrient , organic chemistry
Rapid urbanization leads to diminishing of natural resources that are used in the construction activity thus creating threat to the environment and the society. If this situation exists, it will pose a severe threat to environment in future. Therefore, some alternate measures have to be taken in order to handle this issue. This study is focused on utilizing Vermicompost as a substitute material for Red soil in the manufacturing of bricks. The characteristic test and microstructural tests are carried out for the materials constituting the brick. The physical properties are tested by specific gravity and particle size analysis. In addition to this the microstructural studies of the brick making material and Vermicompost are done by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Infrared Spectrometer (EDAX) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The results of SEM show that the particles of Vermicompost is less porous and has lesser water absorption than that of red soil. From the XRD results it is evident that the elements obtained for the peak values of Red soil and Vermicompost are nearly same and also these elements are responsible for the good quality of bricks. It has been noted that the physical and chemical properties of the Vermicompost match with that of the Red soil indicating that it can be used as a replacement for Red soil. The manufactured bricks will be cost effective as well as sustainable solution in construction sector.