Tests of Fiber Cement Materials Containing Recycled Cellulose Fibers

This paper presents the results of investigations into the effect of the use of recycled waste paper cellulose fibers on the properties of fiber cement boards subjected to contamination by moisture. Four series of fiber cement boards were tested. A reference fiber cement board manufactured without the use of recycled cellulose fibers constituted as one of the series. The other three series consisted of boards differing in their recycled cellulose fiber content-ranging from 10% to 50% of the total cellulose fiber content. Specimens of the fiber cement boards were subjected to contamination by moisture by storing them in water for 1-96 h. Subsequently, their basic physical and mechanical parameters, i.e., mass moisture content, absorbability, and modulus of rupture (MOR), were tested. Then, the specimens were investigated by means of acoustic emission during three-point bending. Artificial neural networks were employed to analyze the acoustic emission test results. The tests clearly showed the amount of recycled waste paper cellulose fibers and the length of storage in water to have an adverse effect on the boards, contributing to their degradation. This was reflected in the decrease of the acoustic emission (AE) events count recognized by the artificial neural networks, accompanying the rupture of fibers during the three-point bending of the specimens. In order to gain a more detailed insight into the changes taking place in the structure of the tested fiber cement boards, optical examinations were carried out by means of a scanning electron microscope. Interesting findings crucial for building practice were noted.