Experimental Investigation on Utilization of Hypo Sludge and Gypsum Composite for Sustainable False Ceiling Panel Applications

The study successfully investigated the feasibility of utilizing hypo sludge as a sustainable construction material for non-structural false ceiling panels. Different proportions of hypo sludge, gypsum, and polypropylene fiber were prepared and evaluated through flexural strength, and water absorption tests. The results showed that pure hypo sludge had poor mechanical and moisture-resistance characteristics, while gypsum improved bonding and strength. The addition of polypropylene fiber further enhanced crack resistance, toughness, and flexural performance. Among the hypo sludge-based mixes, M8 (60% hypo sludge + 35% gypsum + 5% polypropylene fiber) demonstrated the best overall performance, flexural strength of 13.60 N/mm². The developed material was found suitable for lightweight, non-load-bearing false ceiling applications. The study also demonstrates that utilizing hypo sludge can reduce industrial waste disposal, promote resource conservation, and support sustainable construction practices. Therefore, the developed hypo sludge-based composite can be considered an economical and environmentally friendly alternative for selected interior false ceiling applications.

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