The properties of cement boards reinforced with coconut coir fiber (Cocos nucifera) as building materials

Cement board is a composite made from lignocellulosic biomass or other materials and bonded with cement, that has advantages such as fire and termite resistance, and can use for some purposes. The cement board’s quality is affected by the biomass’s chemical components, especially hemicellulose and extractives. Treatment to reduce the content of these two compounds in fiber can improve the cement board quality. This study aimed to evaluate the cement board’s properties reinforced with coconut coir fiber (CCF). Pretreatment was performed on fibers by soaking in cold water for 24 hours and soaking in hot water for 1 hour to reduce the chemical compounds. The ratio between fiber-cement used varied to 1:2.75, 1:3.0, and 1:3.25 based on weight, while magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ) uses at 2.5% of cement weight as an accelerator. The mixtures hand-matt formed and cold-pressed for 24 hours, with a density of the board was 1.25 g/cm 3 . The panels kept for 28 days before tested. Physical and mechanical tests conducted according to ISO 8335-1987. Results showed that the cement board’s physical and mechanical properties made from CCF soaked in hot water at the ratio fiber to the cement of 1:3.25 is the best properties compared to others.