Ali. A. Allahou^1,, Sarr Déthié², Doko. K. V³, Batrane SIDICK¹, Abakar Ali¹, Ayoub I Correa², M. Gibigaye³

This work focuses on the physical, chemical, and mechanical characterization of diatomite through a rigorous study. Lake Chad contains a significant quantity of diatomite, whose use has a very minimal impact on the environment. This study involves the use of three different diatomite samples (44, D, and M) collected from the Lake Chad province, specifically in Ngouri. With the aim of promoting eco-friendly materials, the three samples (44, D, and M) were analyzed. The physical properties (bulk density, porosity, void ratio, and Atterberg limits), chemical properties (oxide content), and mechanical properties (compressive and tensile strengths) were determined. The results show that the diatomite is very fine, with more than 80% passing through the 80 µm sieve, siliceous, with high porosity (around 39%) and low density. Diatomite exhibits favorable characteristics for the production of compressed earth bricks (CEB) and other sustainable materials. Therefore, these results confirm the potential of diatomite as an eco-material for ecological housing in the Sahelian climate. The characteristics are favorable for the manufacturing of compressed earth bricks (CEB) and other durable construction materials. These findings confirm the potential of diatomite as a local material for ecological housing in Sahelian regions.

Diatomite, Lake Chad, Eco-materials, Physico-mechanical parameters