Experimental Investigation of Enzyme Stabilization and Its Effect on Clay Brick

Abstract

In this paper, compressive strength, water absorption, diffusivity capacity, pore area, and the role of the enzyme on clay soil brick were verified. The higher compressive strength at enzyme:water ratios of 1∶150, 1∶250, and 1∶350 was greater than 7 MPa, and lower water absorption at the same state was less than 16%. These values satisfied ordinary clay brick standards, which are a minimum strength of 7 MPa and a maximum limit of 20% water absorption. The enzyme concentration affected the pore area of the brick samples. Based on ImageJ analysis, the pore area of enzyme clay brick decreased when the enzyme concentration increased. The cross-linking matrix bond and the early stage of ettringitelike structure formations are the effects of enzyme on clay soil as observed by a scan electron microscope (SEM) using Matlab image processing. These structures are important for the strength and immobilization properties of enzymes in clay soil. Enzyme brick could be applicable mainly in developing countries to provide affordable housing.