Development of lightweight sawdust-based composite panels for building purposes

This research dealt with fabrication of suitable lightweight composite panel samples from sawdust for building applications. Raw and alkali-treated sawdust particles were utilized at varying weight proportions (0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 %) to develop the samples with topbond as binder. From the results of heat transfer and strength properties tests, the raw sawdust improved thermal insulation efficiency while the treated sawdust enhanced the strength of the samples. For each loading level of sawdust, 100 % screwability and nailability were achieved. The findings suggest that, if used as ceiling panels in buildings, the samples would outperform conventional ceilings like plywood, asbestos, plaster of Paris, and KalsiCeil in mitigating global warming effects, reducing dead loads, and promoting sustainable and cost-effective housing development. This underscores the potential of these samples to address key priorities in construction and environmental sustainability.