Mechanical performance comparison of glass and mono fibers added gypsum composites

Abstract

Gypsum and gypsum based composite are widely preferred in construction industry for various purposes. Mechanical performances of gypsum composite have been enhanced by researchers in order to increase its area of usage. In this research, gypsum composites containing expanded glass were reinforced by glass fibers (GF) and mono polypropylene fibers (MPF). GF and MPF were used up to 1.5 %. The flexural strength, compressive strength, and shrinkage behavior of the composites were examined within the scope of this study. 50 x 50 x 50 mm and 40 x 40 x 160 sized specimens were prepared for the mechanical performance tests. It was obtained that flexural and shrinkage behavior of the composite were enhanced with the addition of MPF compared to GF added mixes; however, compressive strength values were not as high as GF reinforced composites.