Effect of groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea ) shell ash on the properties of periwinkle shell, sawdust and cement-bonded particle boards

In modern times, depleting resources have necessitated research on renewable and recyclable materials for particleboard production. This research is centered on using Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) as a pozzolan for partially replacing cement in the production of Cement-Bonded Particle boards. A mix proportion of 40%, 33% and 27% for cement, periwinkle shell and sawdust respectively as recommended in the work of Odeyemi and others in 2020 was adopted in producing the boards. The cement was replaced with GSA at 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% respectively after which their physical and mechanical properties were determined. The densities of the boards ranged from 2330 to 2760 kg/m 3 , water absorption ranged from 4.2 to 5.74% (in 2 h) and 5.8 to 9.08 (in 24 h) while the thickness swelling ranged from 3.21 to 5.12% (in 2 h) and 6.73 to 7.92% (in 24 h). The Modulus of rupture and Modulus of Elasticity ranged from 1368.45 to 5129 N/mm 2 and 1594.38 N/mm 2 to 2161.23 N/mm 2 respectively. These results fall within the acceptable limits of the American Standard Institute. Therefore, GSA is a suitable partial replacement for cement in producing cement-bonded particle boards.