| Summary: | A review of the recent literature shows that the use of more sustainable, eco-friendly recycled waste materials made from natural biopolymers is an important step of the planning process to reduce the environmental impacts of traditional building materials such as cement and concrete products. This study introduces the application of maize starch in the production of a novel biodegradable construction material. The samples prepared in this investigation were formed by heating a mixture of different proportions of starch, water and sand. The structural properties, morphology and chemical composition of materials were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The structural characteristics and morphology of the study material to a certain extent resemble natural sandstones, the most common type of sedimentary rocks. Based on the uniaxial compressive strength classification schemes, comparing with the brittle deformation behavior of natural rocks, it can be considered that this material behaves as a polymer - matrix composite with a ductile - thermoplastic mechanical behavior.
|
|---|
