Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials Obtained with Clay Matrices and Plant Waste Inserts

Elena Surdu, Radu Iatan, Petru Cardei, Nicoleta Sporea (), Dana-Claudia Farcas-Flamaropol () and Ion Durbaca
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Elena Surdu: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, National Science and Technology University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Radu Iatan: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, National Science and Technology University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Petru Cardei: INMA Bucharest, 013813 Bucharest, Romania
Nicoleta Sporea: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, National Science and Technology University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Dana-Claudia Farcas-Flamaropol: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, National Science and Technology University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Ion Durbaca: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, National Science and Technology University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: In a global context where sustainability is becoming a priority in construction, this paper analyzes the use of composite materials based on clay and plant waste, offering an ecological alternative to conventional materials. This article analyzes the mechanical properties of composite materials made from clay with walnut shell inserts, shredded biomass from corn stalks, wheat straw, and wool waste. These materials are developed for sustainable rural construction. The study evaluates flexural and compressive strength based on measurements at varying insert concentrations. The results indicate that mechanical strength decreases as insert concentration increases. The materials are suitable for partitions and insulating walls, and in lightweight buildings without floors, they can be used as load-bearing walls if reinforced with wood or metal. Future research directions include improving the estimation of mechanical behavior, studying rheological characteristics under environmental conditions, and expanding the application of clay and plant waste composites.

Keywords: clay; composite materials; mechanical strength; sustainability; vegetable waste (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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