Investigation of Sound Insulation Properties of Fiber Cement Board Containing Natural Fibers

Abstract

This research aimed to use natural fibers derived from agricultural residues to develop fiber cement products with better sound insulation properties. The parameters that affect the density, compressive strength, flexural strength and sound insulation of the fiber cement materials were studied. The fiber cement specimens consisted of Portland cement Type 1, limestone powder, water, sand, natural fibers, including coconut coir fiber and oil palm fiber, at the levels of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight of binder; water reducer was used to ensure uniform distribution of the fibers. The fiber cement specimens of 8, 12 and 16 mm thickness were casted. From the test results, it was found that when increasing the percentage replacement of
the natural fibers, the density, compressive strength and flexural strength of the materials decreased. It was observed that the physical and mechanical properties of the fiber cement boards containing coconut fibers were better than those containing oil palm fibers. In the case of sound insulation properties, increasing the thickness and percentage replacement of natural fibers tended to improve the sound insulation performance.
The results of this research provide a guideline for producing fiber cement products containing agricultural fibers with acceptable mechanical properties and good sound insulation properties.