The Mechanical and Physical Properties of Coir Fiber Reinforced Gypsum Board

Abstract

This research work focused on the use of coir fiber as reinforcement for gypsum board. The physical properties of composite ceiling board made from coir fiber and gypsum, as developed at the Chemical Engineering Laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka were studied to determine their suitability for use in low-cost construction work. The results obtained showed that the flexural strength increased from 0.08 N/mm² to 0.1 N/mm² and modulus of elasticity from 1150 N/mm² to 1275 N/mm² as the percentage coir content increased from 4.26% to 17.02%. The water absorption capacity is very low and increased from 3.1% to 7.7% as the coir content increased. The thermal conductivity increased from 0.0426 KW/m K to 0.0433 KW/m K while very slight variation is observed in thermal resistivity. The results show that coir fiber can be used successfully to reinforce gypsum board.