Development and Performance Evaluation of Agro-Waste Reinforced Composite Panels for Low-Cost Building Applications in Polytechnics in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

The cost of conventional building boards in Nigeria is high, while large volumes of agricultural residue are burned or dumped. This study developed and evaluated agro-waste reinforced composite panels for low-cost, non-load-bearing building applications in polytechnics in South-West Nigeria. Using a design-and-development experimental approach, four residues (rice husk, sawdust, groundnut shell and palm-kernel shell) were characterised, alkali-treated and compounded with recycled high-density polyethylene at loadings of 20–50% (w/w) by compression moulding. Flexural strength peaked at 40% loading for rice husk (32.8 MPa), sawdust (28.4 MPa), groundnut shell (30.2 MPa) and palm-kernel shell (29.6 MPa). Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.086 to 0.142 W/m·K, below that of gypsum board (0.16–0.18 W/m·K). Burning rate ranged from 18.4 to 26.8 mm/min and water absorption from 4.8 to 10.2%. Production cost was 54.4–62.4% lower than that of conventional boards, and experts validated the optimal formulations. Agro-waste composite panels are therefore a technically feasible, affordable and sustainable alternative for low-cost building applications in South-West Nigeria