A TECHNO-ECONOMICAL FEASIBILITY STUDY OF OIL PALM FROND (OPF) CEMENT BOARD

• Published in: ZEMCH International Conference
• Main Author: Ramlee N.A.B.; Yamani S.A.K.; Azni M.E.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: ZEMCH Network 2017
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85202032205&partnerID=40&md5=513ed6393ed5e5f0d5c9e106c79f3839

In recent years the development and application of lightweight, sturdy, durable and eco-friendly construction materials have been of great interest. Fibres from oil palm frond (OPF), produced in substantial amounts as a by-product of the palm oil industry, may be a promising alternative to asbestos cement board currently available in the market. OPF cement boards were produced at three different OPF to cement ratios (1:3.5, 1:4.0 and 1:4.5) with a thickness of 25 mm and a density of approximately 600 kg/m3. The mechanical and physical properties of OPF cement board such as modulus of rupture (MoR), modulus of elasticity (MoE), tensile strength, thermal conductivity, thickness swelling and water absorption after 24 hours of immersion in water were determined in accordance with Malaysian Standard MS 934:1986. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the optimum amount of OPF particles mixed with cement can fill micropores and make a uniform structure with a rough surface which improves properties of cement board. OPF cement board with a ratio 1:3.5 demonstrated the best mechanical and physical properties with MoR of 18.8 MPa, MoE of 2569 MPa, thickness swelling of 0.48% and a thermal conductivity of 0.099 W/m.K. These properties fulfil the MS 934 requirements and are as good as the currently available fibre cement boards in the market. © 2016 ZEMCH. All Rights Reserved.