The Influence of Natural and Synthetic Fibre Reinforcement on Wood-Gypsum Composites

Abstract

Objective: This paper studies the influence of natural and synthetic fibres on the mechanical behaviour of recycled wood-gypsum composites. These composites of wood waste, such as wood shavings and sawdust, were tested using different proportions of each type of recycled wood. The fibres used, straw as a natural fibre and glass fibre as a synthetic fibre, were analysed in two different proportions. Method: The experimental procedure was based on the analysis of the physical properties, density and mechanical properties, flexural strength and compression of the reinforced mixtures. Water absorption by capillarity and the thermal behaviour of the new wood-gypsum materials were also studied. Results and Conclusion: The results show that the use of both types of fibres in the mixtures produces lighter composites, and reinforcement by glass fibre represents a significant increase in their flexural strength.