Mechanical and Thermal Evaluation of Hybrid Oil Palm Biomass as Partial Replacement of Green Bricks

Malaysia’s palm oil industry, a leader in global production, generates significant waste, particularly palm kernel shell (PKS) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA), byproducts of oil extraction and boiler processes. This study explores the potential of hybrid PKS and POFA as partial replacements for sand and cement in brick production, with the aim of reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. These materials offer a sustainable and cost-effective approach to produce sustainable bricks with enhanced thermal and insulation properties. Although PKS has a higher water absorption rate than sand, bricks containing PKS meet both Malaysian and American standards for strength, highlighting PKS as a viable, eco-friendly material. Four different brick samples were analyzed to assess their thermal performance, utilizing a test chamber with thermocouples and a data logger to monitor temperature variations. Control bricks showed a 2°C increase from external to internal temperatures, whereas bricks with 30% PKS maintained a narrower 0.88°C temperature difference, demonstrating improved insulation. These findings underscore the potential of hybrid PKS and POFA bricks to significantly enhance thermal insulation, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional building materials.