INFLUENCE OF HUMAN HAIR TO CEMENT TILES

JONEL A, OCAMPO1, LAMBERTO C. TALPLACIDO JR1,

ROXANNE L. ESPIRITU1 and ESTRELITA L. BERNARDO2
ABSTRACT
Human hair is a material considered useless in most societies and therefore is found in
the municipal waste streams in almost all cities and towns of the world (Kumar et. al 2014) as
cited by Gupta. Mostly, in areas with low population density, hairs are just thrown away in
nature where it slowly decomposes over quite a number of years. The hairs in due course
return the constituent elements like carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and so forth, to their own natural
cycles. Another way of eliminating hairs is burning them. However, burning of human hair or
the waste piles produces foul odor and toxic gases.
The best way to address such problems is to develop system which can utilize the
waste material as a resource like tiles. In addition to reducing waste, it can contribute to the
economy of an area. As a potential material resource, human hair has the advantage that it is
completely biodegradable, renewable, and available in every locality.
Keywords: carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, natural cycles, tiles, biodegradable, renewable
RATIONALE
Tiles are one of the most in demand products in todays modern world. It is commonly
used in infrastructures like commercial buildings and residential houses which are needed
most especially by our fast growing society. Tiles are classified as inorganic and non-metallic
materials that are essential to ones daily life. Some examples include things like brick tiles,
bricks, plates, glass and others. They must possess the qualities of being hard brittle heat
resistant and corrosion resistant.
Human hair on the other hand is considered as waste material in most parts of the
world and its accumulation in waste streams causes many environmental problems. But now,
it has many known uses. Preventing waste of such a material requires both addressing the
problems in the current usage and developing its utilization systems at locations where they
are missing. With focus on developing systematic utilization of human hair waste, this study
was conceived and developed.
The unique properties of human hair such as its unique chemical composition, slow
degradation rate, high tensile strength, thermal insulation, elastic recovery, scaly surface, and
unique interactions with water and oils. Due to high tensile strength and high friction
coefficient, human hair has been used for reinforcing clay-based constructions. Human hair
reinforcement also reduces cracks in cement mortar caused by plastic shrinkage.

Before breaking, hair undergoes changes. For example, by delicately handling is

reasonably long hair can behave like a piece of elastic material; after extending slightly, it
returns to its original length. Beyond the elastic phase, the hair has another property at least
for a while. It keeps the shape it has been given. Thus, if a hair is wound around pen and after
several hours the pen is removed, the hair retains its curled shape. This is known as the
plasticity of hair.
OBJECTIVES
The study aimed to compare and analyzed the possible effects of hair in the tile distinct
characteristics. Specifically, it intended to:
1. determine the most appropriate hair proportion to cement tile mix
2. compare the physical properties of tiles with human hair and tiles with no hair in terms of
2.1 water absorption
2.1.1 tile mass: accuracy measurement
2.1.2 moisture rating
2.2 drop test
2.3 resistance to scratches
2.4 scoring
2.5 slip resistance
2.6 resistance to abrasion
3. compare the resistance to chemical characteristics of tiles with and without hair in terms of
3.1 resistance to staining
3.2 resistance to household chemicals
3.3 resistance to acids and alkaline
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
Research Method
Experimental method of research was utilized in determining the strength of the tiles
produced. Through experimentation, the researchers had the chance making observations,
performed accurate measurement, gathered data, tabulated and analyzed important data for the
success of the research.
More specifically, the study underwent four stages:
1. Collection of materials and equipment
The materials like hair were collected in some parlor and barber shop within the city.
Equipment includes:
1.1.
molder
1.6 oven
1.2.
measuring container
1.7 bucket wire mesh
1.3.
spatula
1.8 water container
1.4.
weighing scale
1.9 different chemicals for testing
1.5.
scoring tool
1.10 Universal Testing Machine

2. Preparation of the samples for testing

2.1.
All the equipment and materials to be used in mixture were prepared.
All the materials to be used in mixture were measured.
2.2.
After mixing thoroughly the materials, the mixture was placed in the
molds.
2.3.
Then, the hair was combined in the mixture. Hair was manually and
evenly distributed in the mold.
2.4.
After pressing the samples in the molds, they were set aside for oven
drying.
2.5.
After testing, the tiles were evaluated.
3. Testing the Samples
The samples were cured for a week and were tested for physical, mechanical, and
chemical properties.
4. Evaluation of the Samples
The samples were evaluated by comparing the tiles with hair with concrete tiles
without hair.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1. Determining the Best Hair Proportion to Cement Tile Mix
The researchers used two samples in determining the best hair proportion to cement
tile mix. They combine the hair with sand and cement mix and pour the mixture to a 6-inch
diameter, 12-inch high cylindrical mold. The two samples were cured for 7 days and were
tested using Universal Testing Machine in the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH) Nueva Ecija Engineering District II. The result of the test was shown in Table 1.
It can be seen from the table that Sample 2 (1013.79 psi or 6.99 MPa) obtained a
greater force than Sample 1 (951.4 psi or 6.56 MPa). Hence, the group decided to work on a
200-gram hair proportion to their concrete mix.
Table 1
Testing of Samples
Sample
1
2

Mass of Hair
(in grams)
100
200

Mass of Cement
(in grams)
3900
3800

Mass of Sand
(in grams)
7000
7000

Force
psi
951.4
1013.79

MPa
6.56
6.99

2. Comparison of the Physical Properties of Cement Tiles with Hair and Cement Tiles
with No Hair

While selecting the ceramic tiles, it is not only necessary to pay attention to the
aesthetic qualities such as style, color, structure, selection of decorative elements within the
framework of the collection, but above all, the technical parameters of the tiles, taking into
consideration the input of work and costs related to maintenance and keeping the tiles clean.
The following tests were conducted by the researchers in order to inform the customers on
what physical and chemical properties should be considered in selecting their tiles.
2.1 Water Absorption. Water absorption testing standards AS4459.3 provides the means to
classify ceramic tiles along with their method of manufacture according to AS 4662 Ceramic tiles Definitions, classification, characteristics and marking. This is important when assessing the
requirements that the ceramic tiles must achieve for them to be are considered the best commercial
quality, otherwise known as first quality.
In this study, five tiles each, one with hair and the other without hair were experimented. To
determine the water absorption of the ceramic tiles the boiling method was used. It involves drying the
tiles out and then boiling them in water for 2 hours followed by cooling to room temperature over a
four hour period. The mass of the tiles are weighed both before and after the water immersion to
determine the percentage of water absorption.
For each tile, calculate the water absorption as a percentage of the dry mass using the
expression:

m2m1
x 100
m1
where: m1= mass of the dry tile; and
m2= mass of the wet tile
The result of the experiment using water absorption was shown in Table 2. It can be seen from
the table that the average water absorption of tiles with hair has a lower value compared with tiles
without hair. In general terms, if the tile has low water absorption, the durability and strength are
increased.
Table 2
Comparison of Water Absorption of Tiles with and without Hair
Trials
1
2
3
4
5

m1
100.23
100.50
100.24
100.18
100.05
100.24

Tiles with Hair

m2
Water Absorption
100.25
0.02
100.50
0.00
100.25
0.01
100.20
0.02
100.06
0.01
100.252
0.012

m1
101.50
101.60
101.30
102.20
101.45
101.61

Tiles without Hair

m2
Water Absorption
102.00
0.50
101.90
0.30
101.50
0.20
102.40
0.20
101.60
0.15
101.88
0.27

2.1.1 Tile Mass: Accuracy Measurement. Based from Table 3 of the tile mass: accuracy
measurement (International Standards Organization -ISO 10545), the produced tiles with hair (average

water absorption = 0.012) is below the required standard (0.02). Low water absorption restricts the
amount of water that may cause failure. Hence, the produced tile with hair will be better in tile works.
Table 3
Tile Mass: Accuracy of Measurement
SI Number
i
ii
iii
iv
v

Mass of Tiles
(in grams)
0 to 100
101to 500
501 to 1000
1001 to 3000
Above 3000

Accuracy of
Measurement
0.02
0.05
0.25
0.50
1.00

2.1.2 Moisture Rating. Furthermore, water absorption is also measured using ASTM
C373-88 (moisture rating) where tiles are classified according to water absorption percentages. The
results of the experiment show that since the average water absorption was only 0.012, then, the low
water absorption is generally referred to as fully vitrified and impervious, meaning they are viewed by
the consumers as superior products. Table 4 shows ASTM C373-88 for water absorption.

Table 4
ASTM C373-88 for Water Absorption (Moisture Rating)
Impervious

Tiles exhibiting 0.5% or less.

Vitreous

Tiles exhibiting more than 0.5%but not more than 3.0%.

Semi-Vitreous

Tiles exhibiting more than 3.0% but not more than 7.0%.

Non-Vitreous

Tiles exhibiting more than 7.0%.

2.2 Drop Test. This test was conducted in order to determine the hardness of the cement tiles.
Both cement tiles (with hair and with no hair) were dropped. After five trials of dropping the tile, a
slight cracked at the edges resulted for cement tiles with hair. However, the whole cement tile with no
hair cracked vigorously after three trials.
Table 5
Drop Test
Cement Tile
With Hair
With No Hair

No. of times cement tile was dropped

5 times
3 times

Result
Slightly cracked at the edges
Whole tile cracked

2.3 Resistance to Scratches. The relative hardness of tile is an important issue that
should be addressed when selecting a tile. The test is performed by scratching the surface of
the tile with different minerals and subjectively assigning a "MOH's Scale Hardness" number
to the glaze, the softest mineral used is talc ("1" rating), the hardest is a diamond ("10" rating)

as shown in Table 6. When both samples were tested using this scale, the tiles with hair has a
rating of 6 while tiles with no hair has a rating of 5 only. MOH's Scale Hardness values of 5 to
7 are suitable for most residential floor applications. But still, cement tile with hair has a
greater rating than tiles with no hair hence more applicable to be used because the higher the
MOHS rating of a tile, the more resistant it is to wear and scratching (Ames Tile & Stone,
2015).
Table 6
MOHS Hardness Scale
Mineral
Talc
Gypsum
Calcite
Fluorite
Apatite
Feldspar
Quartz
Topaz
Corundu

Example
MOHS
Fingernail scratches it easily
1
Fingernail scratches it
2
Copper penny scratches it
3
Steel knife scratches it easily
4
Steel knife scratches it
5
Steel knife does not scratch it easily, but scratches glass
6
Hardest common mineral, scratches steel and glass easily
7
Harder than any common mineral
8
Scratches topaz
9

m
Diamond

Hardest of all minerals

10

2.4 Scoring. Another test conducted to determine the physical property of a tile is
through scoring. The researchers used a conventional glass cutter as their scoring tool. They
found it hard to cut the cement tile with hair unlike the one without hair. But with the use of
straight edge as a guide, the group finally had a good cut.
2.5 Slip Resistance. Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general accidents
inside and outside of some houses. A "slip" occurs when there is too little traction or friction
between the shoe and walking surface. A "trip" occurs when a persons foot contacts an object
in their way or drops to a lower level unexpectedly, causing them to be thrown off-balance. A
trip most often results in a person falling forward, while a slip most often results in the person
falling backward. A "fall" occurs when you are too far off-balance. In order to avoid such
accidents, the researchers produced an unglazed cement tile.
To determine the slip resistance of a tile, friction is needed. Friction is the force that
resists the sliding motion of one surface against another. In the absence of horizontal
dynamometer which is use to get the slip resistance of a tile (ASTM C1028), an experimented
version of determining coefficient of friction was used. To impend motion, a 2 kg-mass was
suspended and passed to a frictionless pulley to a 3kg block resting on a horizontal tile as
shown in Figure 1. The computation of the coefficient of friction of the surface of the tile was
also illustrated. The computed coefficient of friction was 0.67. Based on Table 7 for friction
rating, if coefficient of friction is greater than or equal to six, then the tile is excellent.
However, for cement tile without hair a lesser mass of 1.6 kg was needed in order for the 3 kg

block to impend motion. The computed coefficient of friction was only 0.53 which was rated
as adequate.
Isolating the 2-kg block

W2

Fv = 0; T W1 = 0
T = 2 (9.81) = 19.62 Newtons

T
3k
g

Isolating the 3-kg block

Fv = 0; N W2 = 0
W2 = 3 (9.81) = 29.43 Newtons

2kg

8 x 8 tile

Fh = 0; T F = 0
F = 19.62 Newtons

W1

= F/N = 19.62/29.43
= 0.67

Figure 1
Determination of Coefficient of Friction ()

Table 7
ASTM 1028 Slip Resistance or Friction Rating
Coefficient of Friction
0.60
0.50
0.40

Rating
Excellent
Adequate
Caution is necessary

2.6 Resistance to abrasion. As to abrasion resistance, the cement tile with hair can be
classified as class 3 (heavy residential or light commercial) while the cement tile without hair
was classified only as class one (light residential). Hence, cement tiles without hair are for
light traffic only as can be seen in Table 8 (ASTM C 1027-99).
Table 8
Classification of Tiles According to Abrasion Test
Class Zero
Class One (Light Residential)

Class Two (Residential)

Not recommended for use on floors.

Light Traffic - Residential floor coverings in areas
subject to soft-soled footwear or normal footwear
traffic, without scratching dirt (i.e. domestic
bathrooms and bedrooms without exterior access).
Medium to Light Traffic - Residential floor coverings

in areas subject to soft-soled footwear or normal

footwear traffic with small amounts of scratching dirt
(i.e. rooms in the living areas of homes except
kitchens, entrances and other areas that may be
subjected to high usage).
Class Three (Heavy Residential or Medium to Heavy Traffic - Residential or light
Light Commercial)
commercial may withstand normal footwear and
regular traffic, with some dirt and/or other abrasives
present in limited quantities. Tile in this class may be
used in light commercial installations with limited
foot traffic and with no direct access to the outside.
Examples may include residential kitchens and
hallways with limited traffic from the outside.
Class Four (Commercial)
Residential and commercial floor coverings
subjected to considerable traffic and scratching dirt
(i.e. entrances, workrooms, inns, exhibition halls, and
sales rooms, as well as other rooms in public and
private buildings). Floors should be adequately
protected against scratching dirt at the entrances to
buildings by either floor mats or some other footwear
cleaning device.
Heavy Traffic - Class Five (Heavy Heavy Traffic - Heavy commercial floor coverings
Commercial)
subject to heavy traffic with very abrasive soil.

3. Comparison of the Resistance to Chemical Characteristics of Tiles with and without

Hair
3.1 Resistance to Staining. The test method in determining the resistance to staining
of tile surfaces was conducted. An unsanded contrasting tile where staining agent like 20 ml
ink was applied. The resistance to staining was determined by maintaining the test solution in
contact with tile surface for about one hour. After exposure, the surface was cleaned in a
defined manner, and the test specimens were inspected visually for change in the surface. It
can be noted that there were medium to heavy staining to both samples. Hence, the samples
were not resistant to staining.
3.2 Chemical Resistance. Chemical resistance is measured using ASTM C650-04.
Both tile samples were placed in continuous contact with zonrox, a variety of cleaning
chemical for 24 hours. The samples were rinsed and then the surfaces were examined. Both
surface were slightly stained. Hence, both samples were discernable to change in appearance.
The classification of standards is shown in Table 9.

3.3 Resistance to Acid. Hydrochloric acid or historically known as muriatic acid was
used in this test. The test specimens were subjected to the action of the test solution and the
researchers visually determined the attack of the acid to the specimens.
Five test specimens were used for both cement tiles, with and without hair. Each test
specimens were dried in the drying oven maintained over 105 C for two hours and then cool
them until they reach room temperature. Test specimens were tested not later than three hours
after they have reached room temperature. It was found out that both samples obtained a class
of LB (V). The result of the test was based on IS0 10545, test on acids and alkalis shown in
Table 9.
Table 9
IS0 10545 Standards
Class
LA(V)
LB(V)
LC(V)

Remarks
No visible effect
Discernable change in appearance
Partial or complete loss of the original surface
CONCLUSIONS

Based on the presented findings, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. Presence of hair in cement tiles can sustain a greater force.
2. Cement tile with hair has low water absorption than cement tile without hair, thereby is
more durable and strength are increased. Also, because of its low water absorption, cement
tiles with hair is fully vitrified and impervious, meaning they are superior products as
viewed by the consumers.
3. During the drop test, a slight cracked at the edges resulted for cement tiles with hair after 5
drops while the whole cement tile with no hair cracked vigorously after three trials only.
4. Using resistance to scratches test it was found out that the tiles with hair has a

rating of 6 while tiles with no hair has a rating of 5 only.

5. When scoring test was used, cement tile with hair was hard to cut unlike the one
without hair.
6. It was found out the cement tile with hair has a good slip resistance than the cement tile
without hair.
7. As to resistance to chemicals, both samples were not resistant to staining and both

samples were discernable to change in appearance when applying the chemical

resistance test and resistance to acid tests.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The production of cement tiles is highly recommended especially for wall and tile
flooring.

2. To have a more presentable and attractive surface of the tiles, it is recommended that
glaze should be put on the surface or some figure can be drawn to the design of the
surface.
3. Other source of raw materials like clay can be studied to produce cheaper tiles.
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Ames Tile & Stone, 2015. Tech Specs. Retrieved from http://www.amestile.com /section.asp?
pageid=22921.
ASTM F1265-03a(2013), Standard Test Method for Resistance to Impact for Resilient Floor
Tile, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013.
Porcelain/Ceramic Test Results. http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/3f/3fdf27b1476e-4df1-b888-a1ce5f57cfe2.pdf.
Standard
Test
Method
for
Determination
of
Resistance
to
Staining
http://www.astm.org/Standards/C1378.htm.
Standard Test Method for Resistance of Ceramic Tile to Chemical Substances.
http://www.astm.org/Standards/C650.htm.