Effects of particle geometry and chemical accelerator on strength properties of rattan–cement composites

Abstract

Rattan-cement composites were manufactured using ‘as-received’ rattan particles and those retained on 0.60mm and 0.85mm sieves. Cement: rattan mixing ratio (by weight) was 1: 0.11. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) was incorporated at two levels, i.e., 0% (control) and 3% by weight of cement. Findings indicated that ‘as received’ particles produced denser, stronger and stiffer  composites than the two other particles investigated. Addition of Cacl2 resulted in an increase of between 1.6% and 9.9% in density and had significant effects on Modulus of Elasticity, Modulus of Rupture, and the compressive strength of the composites. Inverse relationships were observed between particle size and product density.

Keywords: rattan-cement composite, calcium chloride, strength properties