Session 3E: Sustainable Alternatives to Drywall Using Methylcellulose and Wood Flour
Session Number
Session 3E: 2nd Presentation
Advisor(s)
Dr. Frank Harwath, North Central College
Location
Room D103
Start Date
26-4-2018 12:40 PM
End Date
26-4-2018 1:25 PM
Abstract
We have researched the potential of a sustainable alternative to drywall using methylcellulose and wood flour. It is already known how to make a sponge out of whipped methylcellulose, but we added wood flour to create a stronger material that would replace the gypsum in traditional drywall. After weighing and qualitatively observing different solutions of methylcellulose and water, with and without wood flour, we determined that 5% methylcellulose and 5% wood flour by weight is the ideal solution. We also used layered sugar-cane paper to replace the thick sheets of paper in traditional drywall. Tensile tests have yet to be performed on a combination of the methylcellulose and the paper, to compare the strength of the alternative to the traditional, but they will be once more data is collected
Session 3E: Sustainable Alternatives to Drywall Using Methylcellulose and Wood Flour
Room D103
We have researched the potential of a sustainable alternative to drywall using methylcellulose and wood flour. It is already known how to make a sponge out of whipped methylcellulose, but we added wood flour to create a stronger material that would replace the gypsum in traditional drywall. After weighing and qualitatively observing different solutions of methylcellulose and water, with and without wood flour, we determined that 5% methylcellulose and 5% wood flour by weight is the ideal solution. We also used layered sugar-cane paper to replace the thick sheets of paper in traditional drywall. Tensile tests have yet to be performed on a combination of the methylcellulose and the paper, to compare the strength of the alternative to the traditional, but they will be once more data is collected