DESIGN AND ACCEPTABILITY OF RECYCLED PAPER BRICKS

A Research Proposal

Presented To
The Faculty of Silangan National High School
San Mateo, Rizal

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Practical Research 2

Bertulfo, Luisa Jean

Callit, Maricris
Caubang, Gian
Daria, Ellene
Jumadiao, Zane
Rivera, Remuel
Sabarillo, Patrick
Tumaneng, Jirah Blare
Villarey, Jamaica

January 13, 2023

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to those who have
been patiently teaching, mentoring, and correcting what we have been doing. Our
impossible would not be achievable if it wasn't for you.

Ma’am Benito, for being with us as our subject teacher, for your support and
tolerance, for your effort to help and guide us.

Group members, for their cooperation, listening, and time commitment.

Lastly, to our beloved parents, for their guidance and support in making our study
successful.

And most of all to our Almighty God, who provided guidance and knowledge to us
to do our study properly and correctly.

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 DEDICATION

This study is created with respect and love. Despite the fact that we are short on time,
our studies are well-planned and arranged. We, the researchers, are satisfied that we
have given this study all of our strength and mind after all of the effort and hardship. And
we are grateful to God for allowing us to pursue this research by providing us with the
ability to think and the strength to continue. To our parents, who never fail to encourage
and support us in our academic pursuits. To our classmates who motivate us to develop,
and to us, the researchers, who put in the time, effort, and money to conduct this
research. And if the outcome of our study is not good, we believe that we did our best to
offer and give this study to the next generation so they can use it.

- Researchers

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRELIMINARIES Page
TITLE PAGE i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction 1
Background of the Study 2-4
Statement of the Problem 5
Hypothesis 6
Scope and Delimitation of the Study 7
Theoretical Framework 8-9
Conceptual Framework 10-11
Definition of Terms 12

2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literatures and Studies (Local and Foreign) 13-21

3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Methods of Research 22-23
Setting of the Study 24
Subject of the Study 25
Procedure of the Study 26
Sources of Data 27
Sampling Design and Sample 28

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Construction of Instrument 29
Validation of Instrument 30
Data Gathering Procedure 31
Statistical Treatment of Data 32-33

iv
 LIST OF TABLE

Table Page

1 Distribution of Respondents 2

v
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1 Conceptual Model of the Study 11

2 Vicinity Map of Silangan National High School 2

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 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Throughout the years humanity has achieved in successfully harnessing

materials in a way that benefits society which one material in particular are bricks, our
backbone structure, but with every action comes with an unforeseen consequences as
the bricks we produce seems to contribute of the production of greenhouse gasses,
which in turn help contribute the state of climate change, as dire the situation may be the
tide can still be turned with the new invention of the 20th century, paper bricks. A brick
that helps with the worsening of the climate and pollution, with its tempting benefits no
wonder this can be considered as a solution as a substitute for bricks as such, this study
will discuss the Design and Acceptability of Recycled Paper Bricks.

The Design and Acceptability of Recycled Paper Bricks would be the main
emphasis of this project. Paper bricks are constructed mostly of paper and are molded
similarly to traditional cement bricks. The current global warming situation on Earth is
something we are all aware of. The objective of this study is to find out what impact
using paper bricks has on the school of Silangan for proportional contribution of waste
management and carbon reduction in the society.

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BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Attributed to the growing worries about resource depletion and environmental

sustainability, recycled materials are being used more frequently in product design and
manufacture. Recycling is the process of turning garbage into fresh products, reducing
the quantity of waste dumped in landfills and protecting natural resources.

Investigating the usage of recycled materials in product design and the level of customer
acceptance of these products is the goal of the design and acceptability of recycled
materials study. This entails analyzing buyer attitudes and preferences toward recycled
products as well as the technical and financial viability of integrating recycled materials
in product design. A few examples of industries or product categories that the study may
concentrate on.

Concrete structures, textiles, or packaging are an addition to examining the advantages

and disadvantages of employing recycled materials in product design, researchers can
compare the efficiency of recycled materials to those of traditional materials.

In gaining an understanding of the aspects that influence buyers' buying choices and
willingness to pay for recycled items, surveys or focus groups may also be used to
assess users’ acceptance of recycled products. This may take into account elements
like cost, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.

Therefore, the study of the design and acceptability of recycled materials is important for
promoting sustainable product design and consumption and for identifying opportunities
for innovation in the use of recycled materials.

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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to determine the Design and Acceptability of Recycled

Paper Bricks. Specifically, this will seek to answer the following questions:

1. How do the respondents evaluate the product in terms of the following:

1.1 Appearance

1.2 Durability

1.3 Usability

1.4 Recyclability

2. Is there a significant difference in the evaluation of the specialized teachers and

STEM students on the recycled paper bricks?

3. What are the comments and suggestions given by the respondents to improve the
developed paper bricks?

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HYPOTHESIS

The following are the Hypothesis on the Design and Acceptability of Recycled
Paper Bricks.

Null Hypothesis:
There is no significant difference between the evaluation of two groups of
respondents towards the develop of paper bricks

Null Hypothesis:
There is no significant difference between the recycled paper bricks and actual
bricks when it comes to durability and usability

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SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The study is concerned to determine the Design and Acceptability of the

Recycled Paper Bricks

The study limits its coverage of the location only at Silangan National High
School. Its primary goal is to determine how acceptable paper bricks are when used at
Silangan National High School. Therefore the study will only seek on how it works
effectively does it hold in terms of durability, appearance, usability and recyclability. The
study will not include other locations other than Silangan National High School. The
duration of the research would only be this 2022-2023 school year of Silangan National
High School and lastly, the data gathered would be focused on the acceptability of paper
bricks in terms of its durability, appearance, usability and recyclability which would be
carried out in a proper statistical manner via surveys.

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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This theory was founded on the study of Technology Acceptance Model

Theory (Fred Davis, 1989) This theory proposes that people's intention to use a
technology is primarily determined by their perceived usefulness and perceived ease of
use of that technology. In the context of recycled bricks, this theory could be used to
understand how users perceive the usability of recycled bricks and how this perception
affects their intention to use them.

Theory of Swot Analysis of Traditional Brick (Aditi Gupata et al., 2016) tackles
as the titles suggest the strength, weaknesses and analysis of the traditional brick. It is
crucial in construction but can be costly in the environment causing air pollution and
with the rising cost of raw materials and some tax changes, it is overpriced to even
consider building something with traditional bricks.

Theory of Reasoned Action (Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen, 1985) This theory
proposes that people's behavior is primarily determined by their attitudes towards the
behavior and their perception of subjective norms related to the behavior. In the context
of recycled bricks, this theory could be used to understand how users’ attitudes toward
the product and their perception of social norms related to the use of recycled bricks
affect their intention to use them.

Aesthetics-Usability Effect Theory (Masaaki Kurosu and Kaori Kashimura,

1995) suggests that people's perception of the appearance of a product can influence
their perception of its usability. In the context of recycled bricks, this theory could be
used to understand how the appearance of recycled bricks affects users' perception of
their usability.

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The Conceptual Frameworks includes 2 figures which would present how each
variable would interact, both figures uses Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model
which will be utilizing the Input, Process and Output Relationship

Figure 1
The first box shows the variables knowledge requirements which consist of
appearance, durability, usability and recyclability about paper bricks which would be
processed into product design and step/procedure, would then be the result of the
output Product of Recycled Paper Bricks which would serve as a feedback onto the first
variables inserted.

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 Figure 2

Figure 2 in the first box shows our conducted survey and respondents whose answers
would be gathered and retrieved onto the process as seen on the second box. After
gathering all and arranging, the third box where evaluation and analysis of the answers
would happen which would give feedback to the respondents and survey and would
finally give us further advice and data that can be done to improve Recycled Paper
Bricks.

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DEFINITION OF TERMS

Different terminologies are defined here in order to aid comprehension of this

research.

Appearance. The state, condition, manner, or style in which a person or object

appears.

Durability. As defined by Spacey (2016), The ability to endure expected

conditions over time .

Waste Material. Materials products produced for the market for which the
generator has no further use in terms of his/her own purposes of production,
transformation or consumption, and of which he/she wants to dispose.

Usability. The capacity of an object to provide a condition for its users to perform
effectively, and efficiently.

Waste. Waste is unwanted or unusable materials. Any substance which is

discarded after primary use or is worthless, defective and of no use.

Recyclability. An item or material capability to be brought back for human use.

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 CHAPTER ll

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter contains the following literature and studies that will aid the

LITERATURE

ECONOMICAL - ECO FRIENDLY BRICKS MANUFACTURED USING WASTE

PAPERS UNDER DIFFERENT CURING CONDITIONS

According to an article (Sangeetha et al., 2020) Severe Environmental problems

arise across the world due to accumulation of paper waste as landfills large quantities of
resources are being utilized by the construction sector, creating a huge demand for
construction materials. This paper presents an experimental study carried out by utilizing
waste paper in concrete Bricks which is a new innovation composite material. An
experimental study on compaction strength, weight, water absorption characteristics
subjected to sun dried and water curing methods of casting were studied in detail. It was
observed that the usage of paper in concrete has good strength, toughness, has
reduction in weight of the brick considerably and also has a low thermal conductivity.

PAPERCRETE BRICK AS AN ALTERNATE BUILDING MATERIAL TO CONTROL

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

According to (Sudarsan et al., 2017) Utilization of concrete in the construction

industry is increasing day by day. The increasing demand for concrete in the future is the
major issue, for which an alternate option is to find out at a reduced or no additional cost
and to reduce the environmental impact due to increase of cement industries that are an
important ingredient to economic development. It is urgent to find alternatives for the

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partial replacement of concrete and cement, as natural sources of aggregates are
becoming exhausted. As large quantities of paper waste is generated from different
countries all over the world which causes serious environmental problems, So in this
present study abandoned paper waste was used as a partial replacement material in
concrete. Study indicates that 80% of the construction cost of a building was contributed
by building material and still millions of people in developing countries like India are not
able to afford the cost of construction of a house. This study is based on potential use of
light weight composite brick as a building material and potential use of paper waste for
producing at low-cost. Experimental investigation was carried out to analyze optimization
of mix for papercrete bricks depending upon the water absorption, compressive strength
and unit weight. Papercrete bricks were prepared out of waste paper, and quarry dust
with partial replacement of cement by another industrial by-product Fly Ash in varying
proportions of 25%, 40% and 55%. The properties like mechanical strength, standard
quality comparisons with the conventional bricks through standard tests like hardness,
soundness, fire resistance and Cost-Benefit Analysis were performed and studied. The
specimens of dimension 230mm x 110mm x 80mm were subjected to 7 Days and 28
days air curing and sun drying before tests were performed on them. Based on the study
it was found that for non-load bearing walls papercrete bricks are best suited.

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STUDIES

UTILIZATION OF WASTE PAPERS TO PRODUCE ECO FRIENDLY BRICKS

According to a research study published in a journal (Kumar et al., 2016) A new

nature study estimates the world has 3.04 trillion trees. Almost 4 billion trees worldwide
are cut down each year to make paper. The construction industry has been known as
one of the largest consumers of non-renewable resources. On the other hand, more
waste paper ends up in landfill or dump sites than those recycled. The purpose of this
research is to determine the weight, compressive strength, water absorption capacity,
fire resistance, hardness etc of papercrete brick by using waste papers (newspapers,
invitation cards, magazines etc.) in order to determine their aptness for use as a building
construction material. While using paper pulp with cement and sand the weight of the
brick is approximately 50% lesser than the conventional clay brick. Therefore papercrete
bricks will decrease the dead weight of the structure to a significant amount. So it
changes our design and building cost from an economical point of view.

SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF DEINKING PAPER MILL SLUDGE FOR THE

MANUFACTURE OF BUILDING BRICKS

According to (Singh et al., 2018) Building bricks were produced by utilizing

deinking paper mill sludge (DPMS) and alluvial soil by varying percentage of sludge at

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different firing temperatures. Different mix proportions were prepared with 0%, 5%, 10%,
15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of DPMS incorporation in alluvial soil by weight. Three firing
temperatures of 900 °C, 950 °C and 1000 °C were investigated to simulate the typical
condition of kiln. The density, firing shrinkage, water absorption, efflorescence, apparent
porosity, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of the bricks were determined.
The XRD and microstructural analysis of brick specimens were also studied. The
optimum firing temperature was 950 °C. The thermal conductivity decreases with
increase in percentage of deinking paper mill sludge. It was found that 15% deinking
paper mill sludge gives optimum strength at firing temperature of 950 °C. Developed
bricks satisfy the requirements of class 10 of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in terms
of efflorescence, compressive strength and water absorption. Thermal conductivity
results show that the developed brick was thermally more insulated than the
conventional bricks and can be used as an alternative to conventional bricks. This will
address the issue of waste management through cleaner production and show the ways
towards sustainable, economical and energy efficient construction.

SYNTHESIS OF THE STUDY

This study presents an experimental study on the use of waste paper in concrete
bricks, which showed that it has good strength, toughness, reduction in weight, and low
thermal conductivity. It is important to find alternatives for the partial replacement of
concrete and cement, as natural sources of aggregates are becoming exhausted. This
study examined the potential use of light weight composite brick as a building material
and potential use of paper waste for producing at low-cost. Papercrete bricks were
prepared out of waste paper, quarry dust, and Fly Ash in varying proportions. The
properties like mechanical strength, standard quality comparisons, hardness,
soundness, fire resistance, and Cost-Benefit Analysis were studied. It was found that
papercrete bricks are best suited for non-load bearing walls.

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 The purpose of this study is to determine the weight, compressive strength, water
absorption capacity, fire resistance, hardness etc of papercrete brick by using waste
papers (newspapers, invitation cards, magazines etc.) in order to determine their
aptness for use as a building construction material. Building bricks were produced by
utilizing deinking paper mill sludge (DPMS) and alluvial soil by varying the percentage of
sludge at different firing temperatures. The optimum firing temperature was 950 °C.
Developed bricks satisfy the requirements of class 10 of Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS). Thermal conductivity results show that the developed brick was thermally more
insulated than the conventional bricks and can be used as an alternative to conventional
bricks.

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 CHAPTER lll

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

This chapter specifies the applications of the methods and procedures used by
the researcher to conduct research or how the data were collected from the target
respondents mentioned in the previous chapters; the description and evaluations made
on the instruments, the questionnaire used in obtaining data, as well as the procedures
and measures for determining such description and evaluation. Furthermore, all
research and studies are not purely and conclusively based on numerous instances and
intervening factors.

METHOD OF RESEARCH USED

The study used a descriptive-experimental type of research. The

descriptive-experimental research approach is concerned with the present
circumstances of the environmental issues regarding the recycled materials, the
acceptability of recycled bricks and the characteristics of groups of people. The
descriptive-experimental research approach is most suited for this study since it
conducts and explains eco bricks which are stronger, more affordable, eco friendly, and
more effective than regular bricks. It also answers the question of whether it is good and
beautiful to use.

The emphasis of descriptive-experimental research is on describing and

emphasizing what is already true, such as the present situation, customs,
circumstances, or any phenomena relating to recycling issues among senior high school
students and specialized teachers.

The descriptive-experimental method goes beyond just collecting data; it is

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fact-finding with accurate description and experimenting.

Additionally, the researcher believed that the descriptive-experimental technique

is the best approach for the current study because it includes the most up-to-date
information on the pollution of recycled materials and a class of events involving
methods, analysis, and classification. Additionally, this approach will be utilized to
identify obstacles and opportunities when experimenting with and employing in Grade
12 STEM students and T.L.E and Engineering teachers at Silangan National High
School in the second semester of SY 2022-2023.

SETTING OF THE STUDY

The study, “Design and Acceptability of Recycled Bricks” will be conducted in

Silangan National High School located at AFP Road Brgy. Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal.
In order to discover and evaluate the acceptability of recycled bricks, the researchers
have developed bricks and observed its appearance, usability, durability and
recyclability. This study will help the school to evaluate the knowledge of the students
and learners regarding their acceptance and adoption of the design of recycled bricks.
For them to be knowledgeable about the significance of recycling and the advantages it
will bring, as well as to recognize the difficulties and opportunities to suggest a thorough
reading list or program.

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 Silangan National High School
Figure 2
Map of Silangan National High School Illustrating the Location of the Study

SUBJECT OF THE STUDY

The Grade 12 STEM Learners, TLE and Engineering teachers of Silangan

National High School Senior High School S.Y. 2022-2023 will be evaluated according to
how receptive and understanding they are of the building block called bricks in terms of
its Appearance, Durability, Usability and Recyclability.

Table 2
Distribution of Respondents

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 Respondents Total Number of Selected Number of
respondents respondents

Grade 12 STEM A 15 4

Grade 12 STEM B 15 4

Teachers 20 5

Total 50 13

PROCEDURE OF THE STUDY

The researchers will discuss the different methods or approaches they employed
to acquire the essential data, along with explanations of the creation and application of
the instruments used.

This is how the study will be carried out. After the proposal defense, the
researchers will modify Chapters 1, 2, and 3. Afterwards, request approval to conduct
this study from the graduate school office.

In the work of conducting the study, a researcher-made questionnaire checklist

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will be created as part of the study's execution in order to collect the necessary data.
Before it is finalized, the content of the aforementioned questionnaire checklist will be
checked by professionals.

The researcher will consult the school's principal and their instructor of practical
research for approval before distributing the questionnaire checklist to the participants in
order to execute the study.

The goal of the research was to establish the respondents' perspectives as well
as the limitations and potential uses of the Design and Acceptability of Recycled Paper
Bricks. The researchers will discuss the findings and recommendations after collecting
the data.

SOURCES OF DATA

The data for this study was gathered using a survey questionnaire that contains the
checklist criteria for the appearance, durability, usability and recyclability of the bricks.
The questionnaire has one (1) part, it was validated by the thesis adviser in order to
collect the respondents' self-evaluation and actual involvement in the phenomenon.

The questionnaire-checklist created by the researchers will be used in the study

to determine The Design and Acceptability of Recycled Bricks.

The questionnaire will be subjected to face and content validation by

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professionals in the fields of research and education.

The questionnaire will concern the following variables, specifically their level of
knowledge in bricks, their ideas around brick effectiveness and their thoughts about the
validity and reliability as a substitute brick.

In rating the respondents will be guided by the five – point likert scale below will
be used. The following scale range and verbal description were used.

Scale Range Code Description

5 4.00-5.00 VHA Very Highly Acceptable

4 3.99-3.00 HA Highly Acceptable

3 2.99-2.00 A Acceptable

2 1.99-1.00 NT Not Acceptable

1 1.00-0.99 TNA Totally Not Acceptable

SAMPLING DESIGN AND SAMPLE

The researchers conduct a survey and interview on their personal data. The
method used is simple random sampling, and the number of respondents is 30. The
researchers prepared thirty (30) copies of the questionnaires for grade 12 STEM A -
Freesia and STEM B - Rafflesia. Criteria for the Design and Acceptability of Recycled
Paper Bricks for part 1 that contains a checklist for the usability, appearance, durability
and recyclability of the paper bricks.

The researchers prepared thirty (30) copies of the printed questionnaire. The
teacher, Mrs. Ivy Gail Baladiang Benito, allowed the researcher to conduct the surveys
and interviews on a section of Grade 12 STEM A and B students and specialized

20
teachers. The researchers will use likert scales to manage the testing and questioning.
The researchers distribute the survey questionnaire and collect it afterwards to analyze,
observe, and summarize the data corresponding to the research question.

This includes the statistical presentation of the collected data from the survey
conducted. It simplifies qualitatively the number of responses and profiles of the
respondents based on the researchers’ desired information to be gathered.

The researchers will test the frequency of acceptability of paper bricks using
waste paper materials in experiments conducted by the students. The use of mean and
standard deviation to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and acceptability of paper
bricks will be described through qualitative discussion.

CONSTRUCTION OF INSTRUMENT

The Instrument is based on data gathered from a variety of sources including

articles, journals, research, corresponding data from the internet, and other sources.

This instrument is composed of one (1) part; a checklist for design efficiency and
acceptability of paper bricks made of waste paper materials. .

VALIDATION OF INSTRUMENT

The instrument for validation is designed by Liben and Paige for assessing
fluency. First, it's to measure effectiveness and improve the ability of recycled paper

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bricks using the fluency assessment. The fluency assessment process can be
accomplished by collecting the students' answers to a survey questionnaire. The
researcher distributes 4 copies to 4 students in each strand and 5 copies to the
specialized teachers; the STEM strand, section A and B in grade 12 and the teachers
must be assessed through observation and analysis of the corresponding collected data
that have been measured for appropriate qualitative purposes.

DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

The researcher will gather its data through a survey questionnaire. This survey
test will help them identify and know what "paper" bricks are. And also to give them
another piece of information about how good it is to use paper bricks.

The researcher will now create a list of statements as the basis for the test items that will
be given to the respondents. The researcher will at least develop a 15-20 item test, part
1, that will be administered to the students.

The final responses will be collected after thorough analysis of the survey questionnaire
that was created. Additionally, it will be combined and put in a single file to table so that
we may see the respondents' answers and give interpretations.

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STATISTICAL TREATMENT

The data will be gathered using the statistical treatment of Percentage, T-test, and
Interview to determine how recycled waste management is. A qualitative and
experimental discussion will describe the design and acceptability of recycled paper
bricks.

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REFERENCES

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