Characterization and assessment of selected agricultural residues of Nigerian origin for building applications

Abstract

The high rate of agricultural residue generation in Nigeria in recent times poses a serious environmental hazard. Thus, there is a need to valorize these residues for various engineering applications. Five Nigerian agricultural residues (okro, plantain, jute, kenaf, and sisal) were studied to determine their potential for forming natural fiber composites for building applications. The samples were subjected to a process of peeling and immersion in water for 15–20 days to facilitate the degradation of microbial cells and ease the extraction of fibers. Proximate and lignocellulose analyses of the samples were conducted according to the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications. The physico-mechanical and thermal properties of the agricultural residues were examined using an Intron universal testing machine and a thermogravimetric analyzer. The fiber phase analysis revealed a crystallinity index range of 41.20–66.08% and a crystallite size of 30.79–84.00 nm, indicating that the fibers were thermally stable above 280 °C. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis provided conclusive evidence of the presence of distinct chemical compositions and their associated functional groups. The study contributes a reliable database for agricultural residues in Nigeria, particularly for construction applications. It is also being utilized to inform the design and implementation of manufacturing processes for roofing tiles and boards intended for general applications