Study of thermal and mechanical traits of organic waste incorporated fired clay porous material

This study investigates thermophysical and mechanical traits of organic waste incorporated fired clay as an energy efficient material. Sawdust, tea waste, and wheat husk were added in clay to prepare composite blocks at different sintering temperatures. Physical and hydric properties of waste incorporated material revealed a linear relationship with waste percentage for water absorption, loss-on-ignition and porosity. Linear shrinkage analysis showed contraction or expansion of the bricks, depending on sintering temperature and combustible nature of organic waste. High loss-on-ignition values were correlated with a decrease in water absorption and porosity with a rise in temperature. The specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity exhibited a decreasing trend with a rise in sintering temperature. Conversely, compressive strength increased with sintering temperature. The use of 2-6% of tea waste, 2-8% of sawdust and 1-2% of wheat husk is suggested for production of energy efficient blocks.