TITLE:
Characterization of Composite Panels Based on Thicky Clay, Limestone and Typha Australis for the Thermal Insulation of Buildings
AUTHORS:
Hamidou Sy, Mathioro Fall, Ali Fatim Toure
KEYWORDS:
Clay, Typha, Thermal Conductivity, Compressive Strength
JOURNAL NAME:
Geomaterials,
Vol.16 No.4,
September
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the characterization of composite panels made from Thicky clay, Bandia limestone, and Typha australis, intended for thermal insulation of buildings. A geotechnical characterization of the raw materials was carried out, including particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, and determination of natural water content. The Thicky clay has a composition of 41% clay, 49% silt, and 10% sand, while the limestone consists of 5% clay, 17% silt, and 78% sand. The natural water contents are 4.71% for the clay, 13.12% for the Typha, and 5.93% for the limestone. Three panel formulations, P1, P2, and P3, were studied. The clay and limestone content was kept constant at 22% and 17%, respectively, while the Typha content varied from 7% to 9% and the water content from 54% to 52%. The average compressive strengths obtained were 1.985, 2.135, and 2.432 MPa, respectively. The thermal conductivities were 0.255, 0.221, and 0.186 W·m−1·K−1, with thermal effusivities of 580, 520, and 450 W·s−1/2·m−2·K−1 for P1, P2, and P3. The results show a change in mechanical and thermal properties between the three formulations. However, given the simultaneous variation in Typha content and water quantity, the observed differences are interpreted as a result of the overall change in formulation and not as an isolated effect of Typha.