OPTIMIZATION OF SISAL FIBRE CONTENT IN THE PRODUCTION OF GYPSUM BIO COMPOSITES
Abstract
The mechanical efficiency of fibre-reinforced composites largely depends on the fibre volume fraction, and improper optimization of fibre content often results in poor stress transfer. Imported sisal fibre (ISF) was utilized to reinforce gypsum bio composite to improve its mechanical properties. Gypsum composites are always brittle materials that do not withstand tension load. In this study, Plaster of Paris (POP) cement used was characterized in accordance with ASTM C472. The ISF exhibited a tensile strength of 273.10MPa, Young’s modulus of 22.4 GPa, elongation of 4.89 mm, water absorption of 12.8%, and a density of 0.12 g/cm³. The chemical properties also include cellulose at 63.46%, hemicellulose at 22.6% and lignin at 6.7%. Composite samples were produced using the POP cement to gypsum ratio of 0.48 which was determined as the consistency of the POP cement, with fibre contents varied at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The maximum flexural strength of the composites was recorded as 8.9MPa and 11.6MPa after 3 and 7 days of curing, respectively, satisfying the requirements specified in ASTM C473. The maximum fibre reinforcement was observed at 1.0%. Water absorption increased with the addition of fibre content, ranging from 18.4% to 21.9%, while composite density decreased from 1.33 g/cm³ to 1.07 g/cm³ as the fibre content increases this is due to the increase of more porous within the matrix. However, the results showed that incorporating ISF as reinforcement enhanced the mechanical properties of gypsum-based composites, highlighting their potential for lightweight applications.
Keywords: Gypsum bio composite, Imported Sisal Fibre, Mechanical properties
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Alcaraz, J. S., Belda, I. M., Sanchis, E. J., & Gadea Borrell, J. M. (2019). Mechanical properties of plaster reinforced with yute fabrics. Composites Part B: Engineering, 178, 107390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107390
Al-Rifaie, W., & Al-Niami, M. (2016). Mechanical performance of date palm fibre-reinforced gypsums. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-016-0022-y
An, H., Wang, L., Lv, F., Fu, R., Lu, Y., & Kong, D. (2023). Multi-objective optimization of properties on polymer fiber-reinforced desulfurization gypsum-based composite cementitious materials. Construction and Building Materials, 369, 130590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.130590
Anowai, S., Tok, D., & Sunday, A. (2020). COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PERFORMANCE OF PLASTER OF PARIS CEILING BOARDS REINFORCED WITH IMPORTED SISAL FIBRE AND LOCALLY SOURCED OKRA FIBRE. https://doi.org/10.21884/IJMTER.2020.7039.CGNEY
ASTM International. (2007). Standard test methods for physical testing of gypsum panel products (ASTM C473–07). ASTM International. https://doi.org/10.1520/C0473-07
Doleželová, M., Scheinherrová, L., Krejsová, J., Keppert, M., ?erný, R., & Vimmrová, A. (2021). Investigation of gypsum composites with different lightweight fillers. Construction and Building Materials, 297, 123791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123791
Elfaleh, I., Abbassi, F., Habibi, M., Ahmad, F., Guedri, M., Nasri, M., & Garnier, C. (2023). A comprehensive review of natural fibers and their composites: An eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials. Results in Engineering, 19, 101271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101271
Ghouleh, Z., & Shao, Y. (2018). Turning Municipal Solid Waste Incineration into a Cleaner Cement Production. Journal of Cleaner Production, 195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.05.209
Gu, H. (2009). Tensile behaviours of the coir fibre and related composites after NaOH treatment. Materials & Design, 30(9), 3931–3934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2009.01.035
IS 2547-1 (1976): gypsum building plaster, Part 1: Excluding premixed lightweight plaster [CED 4: Building Limes and Gypsum Products]
Kuqo, A., & Mai, C. (2021). Mechanical properties of lightweight gypsum composites comprised of seagrass Posidonia oceanica and pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood fibers. Construction and Building Materials, 282, 122714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122714
Madueke, C. I., Umunakwe, R., & Mbah, O. M. (2022). (PDF) A review on the factors affecting the properties of natural fibre polymer composites. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360750247_A_review_on_the_factors_affecting_the_properties_of_natural_fibre_polymer_composites
Ngaaje, N. N. (2021). Physico-Mechanical Properties of Plaster of Paris (Gypsum Plaster) Reinforced with Paper Pulp. European Journal of Engineering and Technology Research, 6(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejeng.2021.6.1.2315
Patel, R. V., Yadav, A., & Winczek, J. (2023). Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Construction and Automotive Applications. Applied Sciences, 13(8), 5126. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13085126
Prasad, L., Singh, V., Patel, R. V., Yadav, A., Kumar, V., & Winczek, J. (2022). Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rambans (Agave) Fiber Reinforced with Polyester Composite Materials. Journal of Natural Fibers, 19(13), 6104–6118. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2021.1904481
Puttegowda, M. (2025). Eco-friendly composites: Exploring the potential of natural fiber reinforcement. Discover Applied Sciences, 7(5), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06981-8
Sanusi, A., Amuda, A. G., Adeleke, A., Mambo, A. D., Mahamat, M. A., & Ikubanni, P. (2024). Physicomechanical properties of composite plaster of Paris from locally grown sisal fiber and gypsum. Discover Civil Engineering, 1(1), 143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44290-024-00149-w
Yildizhan, S., Mohanam, A., Jambulingam, R., Gavande, V., & Lee, W.-K. (n.d.). Improvement of water absorption behavior and mechanical properties of woven jute fiber-reinforced epoxy composites with waste eggshell filler. Polymer International, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.6773
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright © 2022-2025. Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University. All Rights Reserved..