ECO-FRIENDLY BRICKS MADE UP OF PEANUT SHELLS AND BANANA DRIED

LEAVES
ABSTRACT
Concrete is strong in compression but relatively weak in tension and shear. And this problem in
strength of concrete is the most common structural failure. The objective of the research project
is to create a brick with improved strength in tension and shear and also good in thermal
conductivity for thermal comfort. The researchers found that a banana fiber, a ligno-cellulosic
fiber, obtained from the pseudo-stem of banana plant (Musa sepientum), is a bast fiber with
relatively good mechanical properties is also good as an aggregate to concrete to increase its
strength in tension and shear. Also the researchers found that employing peanut shells will also
decrease the thermal conductivity of concrete which can contribute to improve the thermal
comfort in constructions. The researchers decided to use peanut shells and banana dried leaves as
an alternative aggregate in making bricks. As of today, there are lots of rising buildings and
houses and it takes too much expenses for using the common bricks nowadays. Peanut shells and
banana dried leaves consist of high percentage lignin, cellulose and carbon that are suitable
alternatives for making bricks.

http://www.mexiconewsnetwork.com/movil/adventure/peanuts-bricks/
https://www.scribd.com/doc/153750232/PROPERTIES-OF-CONCRETE-WITH-COCONUT-
HUSK-AND-DRIED-BANANA-LEAF-FIBERS-AS-AGGREGATE-REPLACEMENT
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509517301389