International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research ISSN 2348-7607 (Online) Vol. 8, Issue 1, pp: (47-55), Month: April 2020 - September 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Utilization of Cogon Grass as a Thickener for Common Gypsum Boards Jasha Kim A. Catapan , Jazel B Dizo , Monique R. Marian , James Aaron L. Muyron , Engr. Siva Das Abay Proponents1-4 and Research Adviser5 1,2,3,4,5
College of Engineering, Computer Studies, and Architecture, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite, Governor‟s Drive, General Trias City, Cavite, Philippines 4107
Abstract: Gypsum boards are commonly known as drywall, plasterboards, Sackett board or wallboard. These boards are made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaH 4O6S). Common gypsum boards contain paper as a thickener for less consumption of gypsum powder. The focus of the study was to develop a suitable mixture of cogon pulps in gypsum boards (Imperata cylindrica) as a substituting agent and a thickener for gypsum boards for which the researchers refer as the “cogoflex.” Modulus of rupture, Screw pull resistance, weight per unit area, surface fire test, water absorption and thickness swelling test were performed in the study. The percentage of cogon pulps used to add to the mixture of the specimens are 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The researchers were able to determine the most suitable proportion of cogon pulps that will be added to the mixture of gypsum. Keywords: Gypsum board, Cogon, grass, fiber reinforced board, drywall, plaster of Paris.
I. INTRODUCTION Gypsum boards or plasterboards are boards that made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaH4O6S) and are widely used in interior application since it reduces the time and cost of construction. However, its mixture contains shredded paper to reduce consumption of gypsum, because gypsum consists of sulfate which may cause concrete deterioration. Thus, to decrease the concentration of calcined gypsum and to keep the quality of concrete for the longer period, the researchers aim to utilize the use of dried Cogon Grass (Imperata Cylindrica) as a substituting agent and a thickener for gypsum boards. Cogon grass is globally known as a pest and one of the top ten worst weeds in the world. It affects the lives of vegetation around, wildlife habitat, recreation, site management, and even native plants that can only be found in specific places. Cogon grass fields are often burned after being cut. In some cases, farmers tend to burn the entire field to perform the farming technique called “kaingin” where people slash and burn fields, which can become destructive for the environment resulting in dangerous erosion [1]. Due to this different researches were conducted to utilize the potential use of cogon grass. Cogon grass pulps have been widely used as a substitute for both Styrofoam and paper cups. In a research conducted in the Philippines, it was actually found to be successful in reusing it for packaging materials. The specified study focused on the possibility of cogon grass as a replacement for a paper sheet to lessen environmental problems involving the depletion in the numbers of trees that is commonly used to make papers. Three different tests were performed on the samples produced including the strength test, water retention, and qualitative test which the results showed the feasibility of using pulps from cogon grass [2]. It contributed the methodology for extracting cogon pulps and the required chemical to be used in this study to obtain the desired material. One of the major benefits that the researchers see is that cogon grass grows at a rapid speed, which means that cogon grass‟ pulp can be produced noticeably quicker than shredded papers.
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