Developments on vegetable fibre-cement based materials in São Paulo, Brazil: an overview

Vegetable fibres, which are widely available in most developing countries, can be used as convenient materials for brittle matrix reinforcement, even though they present relatively poor durability performance. Taking into account the fibres mechanical properties, with an adequate mix design, it is possible to develop a material with suitable properties for building purposes. In order to improve the durability of vegetable fibres, this paper presents the approach adopted in the research which is directed towards the development of alternative binders, with controlled free lime, using ground granulated blast furnace slag. Coir fibres demonstrate to be more suitable vegetable fibres for the reinforcement of large components as can be proved by in-use durability performance evaluation of an 11-year old prototype house. More recently, pulp from eucalyptus waste and residual sisal and coir fibres have been studied as a replacement for asbestos in roofing components.