INFLUENCE OF HUMAN HAIR TO CEMENT TILES

JONEL A, OCAMPO1, LAMBERTO C. TALPLACIDO JR1, ROXANNE L. ESPIRITU1 and ESTRELITA L. BERNARDO2

ABSTRACTHuman hair is a material considered useless in most societies and therefore is found in the municipal waste streams in almost all cities and towns of the world (Kumar et. al 2014) as cited by Gupta. Mostly, in areas with low population density, hairs are just thrown away in nature where it slowly decomposes over quite a number of years. The hairs in due course return the constituent elements like carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and so forth, to their own natural cycles. Another way of eliminating hairs is burning them. However, burning of human hair or the waste piles produces foul odor and toxic gases.

The best way to address such problems is to develop system which can utilize the waste material as a resource like tiles. In addition to reducing waste, it can contribute to the economy of an area. As a potential material resource, human hair has the advantage that it is completely biodegradable, renewable, and available in every locality.

Keywords: carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, natural cycles, tiles, biodegradable, renewableRATIONALETiles are one of the most in demand products in todays modern world. It is commonly used in infrastructures like commercial buildings and residential houses which are needed most especially by our fast growing society. Tiles are classified as inorganic and non-metallic materials that are essential to ones daily life. Some examples include things like brick tiles, bricks, plates, glass and others. They must possess the qualities of being hard brittle heat resistant and corrosion resistant. Human hair on the other hand is considered as waste material in most parts of the world and its accumulation in waste streams causes many environmental problems. But now, it has many known uses. Preventing waste of such a material requires both addressing the problems in the current usage and developing its utilization systems at locations where they are missing. With focus on developing systematic utilization of human hair waste, this study was conceived and developed.The unique properties of human hair such as its unique chemical composition, slow degradation rate, high tensile strength, thermal insulation, elastic recovery, scaly surface, and unique interactions with water and oils. Due to high tensile strength and high friction coefficient, human hair has been used for reinforcing clay-based constructions. Human hair reinforcement also reduces cracks in cement mortar caused by plastic shrinkage.Before breaking, hair undergoes changes. For example, by delicately handling is reasonably long hair can behave like a piece of elastic material; after extending slightly, it returns to its original length. Beyond the elastic phase, the hair has another property at least for a while. It keeps the shape it has been given. Thus, if a hair is wound around pen and after several hours the pen is removed, the hair retains its curled shape. This is known as the plasticity of hair.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to compare and analyzed the possible effects of hair in the tile distinct characteristics. Specifically, it intended to:1. determine the most appropriate hair proportion to cement tile mix2. compare the physical properties of tiles with human hair and tiles with no hair in terms of 2.1 water absorption2.1.1 tile mass: accuracy measurement2.1.2 moisture rating2.2 drop test2.3 resistance to scratches2.4 scoring2.5 slip resistance2.6 resistance to abrasion3. compare the resistance to chemical characteristics of tiles with and without hair in terms of3.1 resistance to staining3.2 resistance to household chemicals3.3 resistance to acids and alkaline

MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGYResearch MethodExperimental method of research was utilized in determining the strength of the tiles produced. Through experimentation, the researchers had the chance making observations, performed accurate measurement, gathered data, tabulated and analyzed important data for the success of the research.More specifically, the study underwent four stages:1. Collection of materials and equipmentThe materials like hair were collected in some parlor and barber shop within the city.Equipment includes:1.1. molder1.6 oven1.2. measuring container1.7 bucket wire mesh1.3. spatula1.8 water container1.4. weighing scale1.9 different chemicals for testing1.5. scoring tool1.10 Universal Testing Machine

2. Preparation of the samples for testing2.1. All the equipment and materials to be used in mixture were prepared. All the materials to be used in mixture were measured. 2.2. After mixing thoroughly the materials, the mixture was placed in the molds.2.3. Then, the hair was combined in the mixture. Hair was manually and evenly distributed in the mold.2.4. After pressing the samples in the molds, they were set aside for oven drying.2.5. After testing, the tiles were evaluated.

3. Testing the SamplesThe samples were cured for a week and were tested for physical, mechanical, and chemical properties.4. Evaluation of the SamplesThe samples were evaluated by comparing the tiles with hair with concrete tiles without hair. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION1. Determining the Best Hair Proportion to Cement Tile MixThe researchers used two samples in determining the best hair proportion to cement tile mix. They combine the hair with sand and cement mix and pour the mixture to a 6-inch diameter, 12-inch high cylindrical mold. The two samples were cured for 7 days and were tested using Universal Testing Machine in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Nueva Ecija Engineering District II. The result of the test was shown in Table 1.It can be seen from the table that Sample 2 (1013.79 psi or 6.99 MPa) obtained a greater force than Sample 1 (951.4 psi or 6.56 MPa). Hence, the group decided to work on a 200-gram hair proportion to their concrete mix.

Table 1Testing of SamplesSampleMass of Hair (in grams)Mass of Cement (in grams)Mass of Sand (in grams)Force

psiMPa

110039007000951.46.56

2200380070001013.796.99

2. Comparison of the Physical Properties of Cement Tiles with Hair and Cement Tiles with No HairWhile selecting the ceramic tiles, it is not only necessary to pay attention to the aesthetic qualities such as style, color, structure, selection of decorative elements within the framework of the collection, but above all, the technical parameters of the tiles, taking into consideration the input of work and costs related to maintenance and keeping the tiles clean. The following tests were conducted by the researchers in order to inform the customers on what physical and chemical properties should be considered in selecting their tiles.2.1 Water Absorption. Water absorption testing standards AS4459.3 provides the means to classify ceramic tiles along with their method of manufacture according to AS 4662 Ceramic tiles - Definitions, classification, characteristics and marking. This is important when assessing the requirements that the ceramic tiles must achieve for them to be are considered the best commercial quality, otherwise known as first quality.In this study, five tiles each, one with hair and the other without hair were experimented. To determine the water absorption of the ceramic tiles the boiling method was used. It involves drying the tiles out and then boiling them in water for 2 hours followed by cooling to room temperature over a four hour period. The mass of the tiles are weighed both before and after the water immersion to determine the percentage of water absorption.For each tile, calculate the water absorption as a percentage of the dry mass using the expression:

where:m1= mass of the dry tile; andm2= mass of the wet tileThe result of the experiment using water absorption was shown in Table 2. It can be seen from the table that the average water absorption of tiles with hair has a lower value compared with tiles without hair. In general terms, if the tile has low water absorption, the durability and strength are increased. Table 2Comparison of Water Absorption of Tiles with and without HairTrialsTiles with HairTiles without Hair

m1m2Water Absorptionm1m2Water Absorption

1100.23100.250.02101.50102.000.50

2100.50100.500.00101.60101.900.30

3100.24100.250.01101.30101.500.20

4100.18100.200.02102.20102.400.20

5100.05100.060.01101.45101.600.15

100.24100.2520.012101.61101.880.27

2.1.1 Tile Mass: Accuracy Measurement. Based from Table 3 of the tile mass: accuracy measurement (International Standards Organization -ISO 10545), the produced tiles with hair (average water absorption = 0.012) is below the required standard (0.02). Low water absorption restricts the amount of water that may cause failure. Hence, the produced tile with hair will be better in tile works.Table 3 Tile Mass: Accuracy of MeasurementSI NumberMass of Tiles(in grams)Accuracy of Measurement

i0 to 1000.02

ii101to 5000.05

iii501 to 10000.25

iv1001 to 30000.50

vAbove 30001.00

2.1.2 Moisture Rating. Furthermore, water absorption is also measured using ASTM C373-88 (moisture rating) where tiles are classified according to water absorption percentages. The results of the experiment show that since the average water absorption was only 0.012, then, the low water absorption is generally referred to as fully vitrified and impervious, meaning they are viewed by the consumers as superior products. Table 4 shows ASTM C373-88 for water absorption.Table 4ASTM C373-88 for Water Absorption (Moisture Rating)ImperviousTiles exhibiting 0.5% or less.

VitreousTiles exhibiting more than 0.5%but not more than 3.0%.

Semi-VitreousTiles exhibiting more than 3.0% but not more than 7.0%.

Non-VitreousTiles exhibiting more than 7.0%.

2.2 Drop Test. This test was conducted in order to determine the hardness of the cement tiles. Both cement tiles (with hair and with no hair) were dropped. After five trials of dropping the tile, a slight cracked at the edges resulted for cement tiles with hair. However, the whole cement tile with no hair cracked vigorously after three trials. Table 5Drop TestCement TileNo. of times cement tile was droppedResult

With Hair5 timesSlightly cracked at the edges

With No Hair3 timesWhole tile cracked

2.3 Resistance to Scratches. The relative hardness of tile is an important issue that should be addressed when selecting a tile. The test is performed by scratching the surface of the tile with different minerals and subjectively assigning a "MOH's Scale Hardness" number to the glaze, the softest mineral used is talc ("1" rating), the hardest is a diamond ("10" rating) as shown in Table 6. When both samples were tested using this scale, the tiles with hair has a rating of 6 while tiles with no hair has a rating of 5 only. MOH's Scale Hardness values of 5 to 7 are suitable for most residential floor applications. But still, cement tile with hair has a greater rating than tiles with no hair hence more applicable to be used because the higher the MOHS rating of a tile, the more resistant it is to wear and scratching (Ames Tile & Stone, 2015).Table 6MOHS Hardness ScaleMineralExampleMOHS

TalcFingernail scratches it easily1

GypsumFingernail scratches it2

CalciteCopper penny scratches it3

FluoriteSteel knife scratches it easily4

ApatiteSteel knife scratches it5

FeldsparSteel knife does not scratch it easily, but scratches glass6

QuartzHardest common mineral, scratches steel and glass easily7

TopazHarder than any common mineral8

CorundumScratches topaz9

DiamondHardest of all minerals10

2.4 Scoring. Another test conducted to determine the physical property of a tile is through scoring. The researchers used a conventional glass cutter as their scoring tool. They found it hard to cut the cement tile with hair unlike the one without hair. But with the use of straight edge as a guide, the group finally had a good cut.2.5 Slip Resistance. Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general accidents inside and outside of some houses. A "slip" occurs when there is too little traction or friction between the shoe and walking surface. A "trip" occurs when a persons foot contacts an object in their way or drops to a lower level unexpectedly, causing them to be thrown off-balance. A trip most often results in a person falling forward, while a slip most often results in the person falling backward. A "fall" occurs when you are too far off-balance. In order to avoid such accidents, the researchers produced an unglazed cement tile. To determine the slip resistance of a tile, friction is needed. Friction is the force that resists the sliding motion of one surface against another. In the absence of horizontal dynamometer which is use to get the slip resistance of a tile (ASTM C1028), an experimented version of determining coefficient of friction was used. To impend motion, a 2 kg-mass was suspended and passed to a frictionless pulley to a 3kg block resting on a horizontal tile as shown in Figure 1. The computation of the coefficient of friction of the surface of the tile was also illustrated. The computed coefficient of friction was 0.67. Based on Table 7 for friction rating, if coefficient of friction is greater than or equal to six, then the tile is excellent. However, for cement tile without hair a lesser mass of 1.6 kg was needed in order for the 3 kg block to impend motion. The computed coefficient of friction was only 0.53 which was rated as adequate.

Isolating the 2-kg blockFv = 0; T W1 = 0T = 2 (9.81) = 19.62 NewtonsIsolating the 3-kg blockFv = 0; N W2 = 0W2 = 3 (9.81) = 29.43 NewtonsFh = 0; T F = 0F = 19.62 Newtons = F/N = 19.62/29.43 = 0.67 W2

3kgT

T F N

2kg8 x 8 tile W1

Figure 1 Determination of Coefficient of Friction ()

Table 7ASTM 1028 Slip Resistance or Friction RatingCoefficient of FrictionRating

0.60Excellent

0.50Adequate

0.40Caution is necessary

2.6 Resistance to abrasion. As to abrasion resistance, the cement tile with hair can be classified as class 3 (heavy residential or light commercial) while the cement tile without hair was classified only as class one (light residential). Hence, cement tiles without hair are for light traffic only as can be seen in Table 8 (ASTM C 1027-99).Table 8Classification of Tiles According to Abrasion TestClass ZeroNot recommended for use on floors.

Class One (Light Residential)Light Traffic - Residential floor coverings in areas subject to soft-soled footwear or normal footwear traffic, without scratching dirt (i.e. domestic bathrooms and bedrooms without exterior access).

Class Two (Residential)Medium to Light Traffic - Residential floor coverings in areas subject to soft-soled footwear or normal footwear traffic with small amounts of scratching dirt (i.e. rooms in the living areas of homes except kitchens, entrances and other areas that may be subjected to high usage).

Class Three (Heavy Residential or Light Commercial)Medium to Heavy Traffic - Residential or light commercial may withstand normal footwear and regular traffic, with some dirt and/or other abrasives present in limited quantities. Tile in this class may be used in light commercial installations with limited foot traffic and with no direct access to the outside. Examples may include residential kitchens and hallways with limited traffic from the outside.

Class Four (Commercial)Residential and commercial floor coverings subjected to considerable traffic and scratching dirt (i.e. entrances, workrooms, inns, exhibition halls, and sales rooms, as well as other rooms in public and private buildings). Floors should be adequately protected against scratching dirt at the entrances to buildings by either floor mats or some other footwear cleaning device.

Heavy Traffic - Class Five (Heavy Commercial)Heavy Traffic - Heavy commercial floor coverings subject to heavy traffic with very abrasive soil.

3. Comparison of the Resistance to Chemical Characteristics of Tiles with and without Hair3.1 Resistance to Staining. The test method in determining the resistance to staining of tile surfaces was conducted. An unsanded contrasting tile where staining agent like 20 ml ink was applied. The resistance to staining was determined by maintaining the test solution in contact with tile surface for about one hour. After exposure, the surface was cleaned in a defined manner, and the test specimens were inspected visually for change in the surface. It can be noted that there were medium to heavy staining to both samples. Hence, the samples were not resistant to staining.3.2 Chemical Resistance. Chemical resistance is measured using ASTM C650-04. Both tile samples were placed in continuous contact with zonrox, a variety of cleaning chemical for 24 hours. The samples were rinsed and then the surfaces were examined. Both surface were slightly stained. Hence, both samples were discernable to change in appearance. The classification of standards is shown in Table 9.

3.3 Resistance to Acid. Hydrochloric acid or historically known as muriatic acid was used in this test. The test specimens were subjected to the action of the test solution and the researchers visually determined the attack of the acid to the specimens. Five test specimens were used for both cement tiles, with and without hair. Each test specimens were dried in the drying oven maintained over 105 C for two hours and then cool them until they reach room temperature. Test specimens were tested not later than three hours after they have reached room temperature. It was found out that both samples obtained a class of LB (V). The result of the test was based on IS0 10545, test on acids and alkalis shown in Table 9.

Table 9IS0 10545 Standards

ClassRemarks

LA(V)No visible effect

LB(V)Discernable change in appearance

LC(V)Partial or complete loss of the original surface

CONCLUSIONSBased on the presented findings, the following conclusions were drawn:1. Presence of hair in cement tiles can sustain a greater force.2. Cement tile with hair has low water absorption than cement tile without hair, thereby is more durable and strength are increased. Also, because of its low water absorption, cement tiles with hair is fully vitrified and impervious, meaning they are superior products as viewed by the consumers.3. During the drop test, a slight cracked at the edges resulted for cement tiles with hair after 5 drops while the whole cement tile with no hair cracked vigorously after three trials only. 4. Using resistance to scratches test it was found out that the tiles with hair has a rating of 6 while tiles with no hair has a rating of 5 only.5. When scoring test was used, cement tile with hair was hard to cut unlike the one without hair. 6. It was found out the cement tile with hair has a good slip resistance than the cement tile without hair.7. As to resistance to chemicals, both samples were not resistant to staining and both samples were discernable to change in appearance when applying the chemical resistance test and resistance to acid tests.

RECOMMENDATIONS1. The production of cement tiles is highly recommended especially for wall and tile flooring.2. To have a more presentable and attractive surface of the tiles, it is recommended that glaze should be put on the surface or some figure can be drawn to the design of the surface.3. Other source of raw materials like clay can be studied to produce cheaper tiles.

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WebAmes Tile & Stone, 2015. Tech Specs. Retrieved from http://www.amestile.com /section.asp?pageid=22921.ASTM F1265-03a(2013), Standard Test Method for Resistance to Impact for Resilient Floor Tile, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013.Porcelain/Ceramic Test Results. http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/3f/3fdf27b1-476e-4df1-b888-a1ce5f57cfe2.pdf.Standard Test Method for Determination of Resistance to Staining http://www.astm.org/Standards/C1378.htm.Standard Test Method for Resistance of Ceramic Tile to Chemical Substances. http://www.astm.org/Standards/C650.htm.