Development of Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement (BMSC) Composites from Magnesium and Agro-Industrial By-Products for the Manufacture of Particleboards.

• Grant number: 25/06310-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: August 18, 2025
• End date: February 14, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Holmer Savastano Junior
• Grantee: Juan Camilo Adrada Molano
• Supervisor: Joan Formosa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/04412-3 - Development of Basic Magnesium Sulphate Cement composites (BMSC) for Engineering applications, BP.DR

Abstract

Basic magnesium sulfate cement (BMSC) is a non-conventional binder based on magnesium oxide (MgO), offering advantages such as fire resistance, low density, and lower alkalinity compared to traditional cements. These characteristics make it suitable for the production of lightweight construction materials. However, the influence of high contents of cellulosic particles on the hydration mechanisms, microstructural stability, and mechanical performance of BMSC remains poorly understood and underexplored in the literature. This project aims to develop and characterize BMSC composites formulated with MgO by-products and agro-industrial residues, such as rice husk, in order to optimize their application in the manufacturing of particleboards. The fiber-matrix interaction will be evaluated through mechanical tests (flexural strength, compressive strength, and stress-strain behavior), analysis of physical properties (apparent density, water absorption, and conductivity), and advanced microstructural characterization. Analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be employed to investigate the phase evolution and structural changes in the cement matrix. The results will contribute to a better understanding of the effects of incorporating industrial by-products and cellulosic-based particles on the microstructure, phase distribution, and mechanical behavior of BMSC, providing relevant insights for the development of sustainable MgO-based cementitious materials and to promote the circular economy. (AU)