Evaluation of Physical and Mechanical Properties for Enhanced Thermal
Insulation: An Assessment of Fabricated Clay Bricks in Housing
Applications.
Abstract
This study explores the potential of fabricated clay bricks as effective
thermal insulators for housing, with a focus on evaluating and enhancing
key physical and mechanical properties. Employing clay soil and maize
stalk biochar, a controlled approach identified optimal conditions for
fabrication, resulting in notable improvements. The fabricated
clay-biochar bricks exhibit a density of 1.418 g/cm 3,
water absorption rate of 24.009%, thermal conductivity of 0.688 W/mK,
and an impressive compressive strength of 8.408 N/mm. Biochar content,
pressure, and temperature are identified as crucial factors in achieving
these enhanced characteristics. These findings highlight the viability
of clay-biochar bricks as sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for
housing applications, meeting the demand for environmentally friendly
construction materials with superior thermal insulation properties.