Environmental and Chemical Investigation of Mortar of Termite Nests at Hada Al-Sham, Saudi Arabia for Biomimicry of Ecofriendly Constructions: A New Construction Theory

Abstract

Nests made by the Najdian termite, Microtermes najdensis, were studied. The climate, soil, intact wood, and nest wall were investigated. The entryways of the termite nests were located at the southwest direction, which promotes better ventilation. The internal temperature (IT) was warmer than the outer temperature (OT) during cold days, while it was cooler than the hottest OT on hot days, and vice versa. The IT had more constancy than the OT. Moreover, the IT trended toward the upper OT’s limit, indicating that termites prefer the hotter atmospheres. Lignin is the prominent tracer of the organic matter used as a binder for the nest wall due to its gluability and resistance to enzymatic or fungal degradation. Features resembling microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) were discovered for the first time in the nest mortar reinforcing Klason lignin. Their presence was attributed to enzymatic hydrolysis by the termites and/or their accompanying fungal community. The gross heat of combustion (GHCs) of the intact wood and nest wall were studied. Finally, a theory illustrating the fabrication of termite nests was postulated.