Lignocellulosic materials in building elements .2. Cement light-weight building bricks

Wood processing and agricultural wastes (spruce wood, bagasse and cotton stalk) were used for the production of cemented lignocellulosic bricks. Pretreatment with 50% linseed oil, followed by hardening at 120 degrees C was carried out to improve water repellency. Several variables were investigated during the formation of the bricks, such as the mesh size of the lignocellulosic waste, the cement to wood ratio and the use of some additives, e.g. urea formaldehyde, aluminium oxide powder, emulsion acrylic (Nitobond AR), hemihydrate gypsum and polyvinyl alcohol. The results obtained indicate that bricks prepared by adding Nitobond AR to cement-wood mixtures have higher strength than those obtained using other additives. Also, bricks produced by blending treated wood waste with cement have better properties than those produced from blends of treated agricultural wastes (bagasse and barked cotton stalk) with cement. The field of application of the product was considered. A plant for the production of cemented lignocellulosic bricks was also designed.