CAPILLARY ABSORPTION AS A NON-DESTRUCTIVE MEASURE OF PEANUT HUSK FIBER MORTAR PERFORMANCE: LINKING ABSORPTION DYNAMICS TO VOID NETWORKS

Abstract

This study focuses on non-destructive testing methods to evaluate the performance of composite materials using peanut husk fibers as sustainable reinforcements in mortar. The study aims to develop reliable non-destructive testing techniques, such as analyzing the mass and volume of absorbed water and density as an indicator of defects and voids within samples, to assess durability and structural integrity without destructive sampling. By analyzing capillary absorption kinetics and void characteristics, the study demonstrates that optimal fiber incorporation (1-2% by weight) significantly improves mortar properties, reducing water absorption by 76% and internal voids by 68%. These improvements contribute to increased crack resistance and long-term durability. The proposed NDT framework effectively links capillary absorption patterns to mechanical performance, achieving predictions of material behavior while reducing testing time. Furthermore, peanut husk fibers provide an environmentally friendly alternative, reducing the carbon footprint by 40% compared to synthetic reinforcements. These results underscore the importance of using agricultural waste in sustainable construction, offering both environmental and structural benefits. The study also provides practical solutions for non-destructive testing to monitor the quality of building materials throughout their life cycle.