6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Influence of oil palm mesocarp fibre with plaster of Paris and its environmental impacts.

7 Jul 2026, 17:20
1h 20m
Great Hall (University of the Western Cape)

Great Hall

University of the Western Cape

Poster Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Poster Session 1

Speaker

Dr Armstrong Anonaba (Abia State University, Uturu)

Description

This study was designed to assess the practicability of modifying the properties of plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling to improve its durability and use in thermal insulation.Using plaster of Paris (POP) in buildings has generated health concerns; hence reinforcement has been made possible by adding oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF). Various weight proportions(0, 10,20,30 and 40%) of the OPMF were used to replace the POP during the fabrication of the samples.A drying process was applied to all the samples used for the study,and then tested for density, water absorption, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, tensile strength, flexural strength and compressive strength respectively.The study showed that the addition of the OPMF to the POP matrix enhanced the efficiency of POP as a ceiling material with excellent heat insulating ability and could be effective in buildings.The OPMF effluent pollutes the environment by eutrophication and the release of acidic gases.Thus,this research suggests measures for the conversion of the OPMF to valuable and more sustainable products and plausibly provide education to individuals on the health implications of OPMF exposure.The implementation of this model would not only be useful as a good thermal insulator, but it will reduce the effects experienced by users, oil millers, and processors, also provide a long-term plan for its proper disposal, protect our health and the environment.

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Author

Dr Armstrong Anonaba (Abia State University, Uturu)

Co-authors

Mrs Cissan Sylvanus (Abia State University, Uturu) Dr Emenike Nwaokoro (Abia State University, Uturu)

Presentation materials

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