Effect of Pineapple Leaf Fiber on the Physico-mechanical Properties of Gypsum Board

Abstract

Gypsum is a common interior construction material, especially when used as a finishing element. However, interest in prospective uses of gypsum as a finishing component has diminished in recent years as a result of its weak mechanical strength and brittle character, which is essential in interior construction. Therefore, to overcome this challenge, the effect of pineapple leaf fiber on gypsum was investigated. Five different composite configurations of 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 20% pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) with two PALF sizes of 5 mm and 15 mm were prepared and tested after 7 and 28 days of curing. The results of the tests show that materials reinforced with 2% PALF have significantly improved mechanical properties. The compressive strength of a gypsum composite increased by 12.4% when 2% PALF was added. Flexural strength increased by 59% when 2% PALF was added to the mixture. The study provided a means of making gypsum composites having greater mechanical strength than those made from fossil oil-based polymers. It also found relevant use of pineapple leaf, an agricultural waste.