Comparing flexural behaviour of fibre-cement composites reinforced bagasse: Wheat and eucalyptus

In this paper the applications of Agricultural Waste Fibres (AWF) are considered in producing the Fibre Cement Boards (FCB). Three different AWFs including bagasse, wheat and eucalyptus fibres as 2% and 4% by the weight of Portland cement, were used to produce FCB. Moreover, the effect of silica fume on flexural behaviour characteristics of FCB has been studied. The results show that the flexural behaviour of the FCBs depends on the type, length, diameter, aspect ratio and texture of fibres. Also for all groups with increasing fibre content from 2% to 4% of cement weight, maximum flexural strength increases. Moreover, silica fume could improve the flexural strength for all the groups. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.