Currently, the production and processing of rubber products has received more
attention, which is in line with the government policy of promoting the use of rubber. In addition to the excellent properties of rubber in bonding and elastic, it is interesting to use rubber as an ingredient to produce bricks. The aim of this research is to study the effect of para rubber latex on the engineering properties of adobe brick. Para rubber latex was used as an additive at the ratios of 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent by weight of water. Volumetric change, water absorption and compressive strength of 28 - day adobe bricks were investigated. Results showed that adobe brick with no para rubber latex revealed a volumetric change of 20 percent. Water absorption could not be measured since the bricks were totally dissolved and did not retain any shape. The compressive strength of 9.18 ksc was observed. For adobe bricks containing para rubber latex, the volumetric change
increased with increasing para rubber latex addition. The water absorption of adobe bricks tend to decrease with increasing para rubber latex content. The highest compressive strength of 15.75 ksc was observed with para rubber latex addition at 15 percent by weight of water. Thus, it could be concluded that the para rubber latex can improve the engineering properties of adobe bricks. The most suitable latex content for brick making from this study was 15 percent by weight of water because it has the highest compressive strength, lower water absorption and similar volumetric change to those of adobe brick with no para rubber latex. In addition, the knowledge gained from this research could also lead to further development in the production of adobe bricks mixed with para rubber latex for commercial purposes as well.
