Authors:O.O. Adefisan, J.S. Fabiyi and A.G. McDonald
Abstract:The effects of pre-treatments on the strength and sorption properties of rattan cement composites were investigated. Two rattan species (Eremospatha macrocarpa (EM) and Laccosperma secundiflorum (LS) canes) were cold water extracted, treated with 3% CaCl or Al (SO ) and compared 2 2 4 3 with control (untreated particles) . The particles (either 0.85 or 1.0 mm particle size) were used to produce cement bonded composites at 5 and 10% rattan content. Composites were tested for flexural strength and water resistance after 28 days of curing. Composites made from EM particles had higher flexural modulus of rupture than those from LS but the difference in the flexural modulus of elasticity between the two species was not significant. Pre-treatments of the particles caused significant reduction in the water absorption and thickness swell. CaCl treatment significantly improved the strength and sorption 2 properties than cold water or Al (SO ) treated composites. Also, increased particle size and rattan content 2 4 3 reduced the strength properties and water resistance of the rattan cement composites
Keywords:Rattans, Eremospatha macrocarpa, Laccosperma secundiflorum, Pre-treatment, Cement composites