Clay Composites

Exploring Recycled Shaadu Maati for Sustainable Architecture Research by Ar. Isha Naik

The Clay Composites research explores the potential of recycled Shaadu Maati, collected through the Punaravartan campaign, as a natural building material. Through experiments with natural additives, fibres and binders, the study investigates how recovered clay can be developed into blocks, panels and plaster finishes for green building applications.

Why Recycle Clay?

Shaadu Maati is a naturally occurring clay used for making Ganesh idols. After immersion, large quantities of clay can accumulate in water bodies. The Punaravartan campaign collects this clay sludge and returns it to artisans. Recycled clay can also be explored for other applications, including natural building materials.

Conserves a non-renewable resource

Prevents pollution of water bodies

Supports a circular material system

Creates new opportunities in natural building

Experiments with Natural Additives

Different natural mineral fillers and organic materials were tested to improve the properties of recycled clay blocks. The experiments explored materials such as Rangoli powder, sawdust, coco coir, rice husk, waste paper pulp and cow dung to understand their impact on weight, shrinkage, cracking and surface finish.

Rangoli Powder

Rangoli powder was tested as a mineral filler to improve particle packing and surface finish. The tested block showed no observed shrinkage or structural cracking during the reported curing period.

Sawdust and Coco Coir

These materials were explored as lightweight fillers and natural fibres. The samples showed no observed structural cracking, with differences in surface roughness, weight and workability.

Coco Coir

Coco coir was investigated for its potential to provide structural support through its long fibres. The sample was lightweight and crack-free, although mixing was more difficult and required additional water.

Rice Husk

Rice husk was explored as a lightweight, porous filler. The tested sample showed no observed structural cracking and had a porous structure with reduced weight.

Waste Paper Pulp

Waste corrugated sheets were converted into paper pulp and incorporated into the clay mix. The resulting block showed no observed structural cracking and had a slightly rough surface.

Cow Dung

Cow dung was tested as an organic filler. The experiments indicated improvements in workability and bonding, with differences in surface quality and dusting between formulations.

From Blocks to Panels and Plasters

The research also explored reinforced panels using natural bases such as canvas sheet, bamboo mat, jute sheet and cement sheet, along with clay-based plasters prepared using tapioca starch, fenugreek water and natural gum. These experiments highlight the potential of recycled clay in various architectural applications, including blocks, wall panels and plaster finishes.

Clay Blocks with Natural Additives

Natural fillers and fibres were investigated to improve workability, reduce weight and control cracking. The performance varied according to the additive, mix proportion and preparation method.

Reinforced Panels

Different reinforcement bases were tested to understand bonding, cracking and panel stability. The results varied with the reinforcement material and panel thickness. Some combinations showed improved bonding, while others developed cracks or separated from the base.

Natural Plasters

Tapioca starch, fenugreek water and natural gum were tested as binders in clay-based plaster formulations. Among these experiments, natural gum showed the most promising results for bonding, surface finish and crack reduction.

Key Findings

The experiments indicate that recycled Shaadu Maati can be explored as a natural building material. The findings highlight the importance of selecting suitable additives, reinforcement bases and binders for different applications.

Improved particle packing

Rangoli powder improved particle packing and surface finish in the tested formulation.

Lightweight panels

Coco coir showed potential for lightweight blocks and reinforced panels.

Reduced weight

Natural fibres and organic fillers helped reduce the weight of selected clay blocks.

Improved plaster performance

Natural gum gave the most promising results among the tested plaster binders.

Crack control

Several additive formulations showed no observed structural cracking during the reported observations.

Application-specific performance

The results varied according to mix proportions, panel thickness, reinforcement and binder selection.

Read the Complete Research

Discover the detailed methodology, experimental mix proportions, material-property tables, observations, photographs and references in the complete research document by Ar. Isha Naik.

Research document: Punaravartan Clay Recycling Experiments by Isha Naik
Researcher: Ar. Isha Naik
Document length: 73 pages

Download the Full Research Document