Recycled waste paper–cement composite panels reinforced with kenaf fibres: durability and mechanical properties

Abstract

There is a growing interest on recycling of waste fibres as an alternative to landfill disposal. The aim of the study was to investigate the durability and mechanical properties of waste paper–cement composite panels reinforced with varying kenaf fibre content (FC, 2–10%). The panels produced were evaluated for properties including modulus of rupture (MOR) and apparent modulus of elasticity (MOE). The resistance of the panels was tested in the field for both termite damage and fungi decay for a period of 24 weeks. Accelerated decay test was also performed on selected samples. The results showed that the mean MOR ranged from 3.17 MPa for samples with 10% FC to 4.84 MPa for samples with 8% FC. The mean MOE ranged from 248 MPa for samples with 10% FC to 1298.1 MPa for samples with 8% FC. Statistical analysis showed that the effect of the fibre content was significant on the properties evaluated (p < 0.05). The study concluded that the optimum fibre content for improving the strength and physical properties of paper–cement composites in a ratio of 1:1 (w/w) using kenaf as reinforcing fibre is 8%. The panels were highly resistant to both termite and fungi attack for the study duration.