Characterization of Peanut Shells for Their Valorization in Earth Brick

Abstract

Peanut shells from Burkina Faso were characterized using mineralogical, microstructural and chemical methods to perform its possibility to be used as reinforce in adobe bricks. It consists of cellulose (48 wt%), hemicellulose (3 wt%) and lignin (28 wt%). The peanut shells were characterized by high porosity and showed water absorption around 198% at 72 hours. Its chemical composition is essentially composed of silica, iron oxides, alumina and calcium oxide. Its microstructure showed that the peanut shells were a compilation of microfibers with high porous of borders. In watery solution, the peanut shells released polyphenols. Thermal conductivity of peanut at 25 °C was 0.155 ± 0.021 W/mK. The physico-chemical characteristics of peanut shells were similar to those found with agricultural by-products used in adobe reinforce.