Investigation on the Properties of Cement Fiber Board Produced Using Waste Paper

Abstract

In this study, the reinforcing effect of recycled newsprint paper (RNP) in cement boards has been investigated. The experiment was designed to apply two variable factors, RNP and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Cement-fiber boards with the density of 0.7 kg/m3 were manufactured using fiber/cement ratios of 10:90, 15:85, 20:80 and 25:75 (w/w) and 3% and 5% CaCl2 as accelerator. Minimum four boards (replications) were fabricated for each combination of variables, and the mechanical and physical properties of the boards were evaluated. The statistical analysis showed that the effect of the RNP and CaCl2 contents on modulus of rupture of cement fiber boards were significant at 1% significant level. The results showed that addition of CaCl2 enhanced the mechanical properties of the boards. All properties of the boards were improved as the CaCl2 content was increased from 3% to 5%. The modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of the boards decreased with addition of RNP, and the maximum values were obtained at RNP loading of 10%. The results also showed that as the fiber content was increased, significant increase in water absorption and thickness swelling occurred. Increasing RNP fiber content from 10% to 25% reduced both the mechanical and physical properties considerably. The optimum condition was obtained when the RNP and CaCl2 contents were 10% and 5%, respectively.

Keywords

• Fiber cement
• waste paper
• calcium chloride
• Composite