Investigation on effect of lignocellulosic wastes (rice straw and husk) using wood-cement composite

This research has been to study the effect of lignocellulosic wastes (rice husk ash [Pozollan] and rice straw) on properties of wood-cement composite. Accordingly, some boards using rice straw, mixture of poplar wood and rice straw, and cement (Portland type2) were prepared. Rice husk ash was also used as pozollan in 3 levels of 0, 2% and 4% by weight. For evaluation of applied properties, bending strength, modulus of elasticity, shear strength, water uptake and thickness swelling were done in accordance with ISO-16983 and DIN-68763 standards. The results showed that, while lignocellulosic material switched from rice straw to mixture of poplar and rice straw, mechanical properties were improved, but physical properties were increased. In addition, the highest bending strength, modulus of elasticity, shear strength, and lowest water uptake and thickness swelling was obtained in 4% pozzolan treatment.