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A Feasibility Study on the Optimization of Curing and Formulation Conditions for Durian Husk Cellulose Fiber/Rice Husk Ash-Based Geopolymers Using Response Surface Methodology
Abstract
Developing lightweight building components from agricultural industrial residues is a critical step toward establishing circular-economy resource loops. This feasibility study systematically investigates the processing boundaries of a novel waste-valorized binder system synthesized from rice husk ash and reinforced with chemically isolated durian husk cellulose fibers. A 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken response surface methodology design was used to study the influences of curing temperature (50 to 70 °C), cellulose fiber loading (0.0 to 3.0 wt.%), and curing time (3 to 7 days) on composite development. Multi-response numerical optimization curves established an optimal processing result at a curing temperature of 60 °C, a cellulose fiber loading of 0.5 wt.%, and a curing time of 3 days, predicting a flexural strength of 3.6 MPa and a volume expansion ratio of 3.3. Microstructural evaluations confirmed that low-dose fiber reinforcement results in uniform network encapsulation, leading to micro-crack propagation via fiber pull-out and crack-bridging mechanics. These foundational quantitative findings establish the basic operational coordinates required to guide future development loops. This structural design mapping demonstrates the initial feasibility of transforming agricultural residue processing pathways into functional, lightweight, porous prototype matrices, providing a clear engineering roadmap for the long-term development of thermal insulation panels.
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