Cement Board Using Discarded Peanut Shell (Arachis Hypogaea)

This study investigates the use of powdered peanut shells as a sustainable alternative in cement board production. With the growing emphasis on eco-friendly construction materials, exploring alternative resources is essential. Cement boards were fabricated incorporating powdered peanut shells at varying percentages (5%, 10%, and 15% by weight) relative to the total weight of the cement mixture. The preparation involved calculating the sample volume, adjusting the mixture weight to account for the peanut shells, and setting the water-cement ratio to 0.46. The process included grinding the peanut shells, measuring all components, and thoroughly mixing them before molding. The mixtures were cured in a controlled environment to promote proper setting. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting boards were evaluated according to ASTM standards and analyzed using SPSS. Notably, the 5% mix achieved the highest density (1.60 g/cm³) and demonstrated excellent heat resistance, while the 15% mix exhibited the greatest thickness (1.24 cm) and lowest water absorption (10.99%). The 10% mix resulted in the highest compressive (11.28 MN/m²) and tensile strengths (0.24 N/cm²). The findings suggest that incorporating powdered peanut shells significantly improves the properties of cement boards, presenting a viable and sustainable construction option. Future studies should focus on optimizing these mixtures and assessing their long-term durability.