Lightweight thermally insulating fired clay bricks enhanced with chitosan-based clay nanocomposites for sustainable construction.

ABSTRACT: This study explores the enhancement of thermal insulation in fired clay bricks through the incorporation of chitosan (CS) as a biopolymeric dopant. A series of composite samples were prepared with CS concentrations of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, and their structural, mechanical, and thermophysical qualities were comprehensively investigated. Analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to assess compositional and morphological changes. The introduction of CS led to increased XRD peak intensity, indicating improved crystalline organization, while FTIR spectra revealed the presence of CS-associated functional groups. SEM micrographs c

SUBMITTER: Shahat MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12280097 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature