Microstructural characterization of cellulose fibres in reinforced cement boards

The microscopic analysis of the different cellulose fibre cement composites is presented. The observations of the fibres in optical microscope in transmitted light and in scanning electron microscope are described. The micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and SEM were used to determine the distribution of the fibres in the matrix. The investigated fibre cement boards were produced by extrusion process and panels were cured in natural conditions. The main goal of the research was application of different microscopic methods to analyze the fibres distribution as a result of a different methods of their production. Micro-CT was used for 3D visualization of fibres distribution in three different fibre cement boards. It was possible to determine the average diameter of the fibres and their concentration using the high-resolution mode of micro-CT scanning procedure. Finally, a procedure which can be applied as a useful tool for analysis of the different procedures used in production of fibre cement boards is described. This procedure can be successfully used in the quality control system of cellulose fibre distribution in cement composites.