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CHAPTER 4
This chapter presents the results of the physical and mechanical property tests such as water
absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture and nail pull resistance of the resulting
composite after three and seven days of curing. This chapter also presents images of the
microstructure of the gypsum board using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM analysis). The
results were analysed and compared to the minimum requirement of the American Society for
Water absorption tests were performed to measure the volume occupied by the
material and water that may seep into the pores of the composite material. The standard
board sizes of 100mmx100mmx12mm use for this test was recommended in a previous
study by Hashim et al., (2005) considering a series of two trials with a total of twenty-four
samples. Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2 shows the water absorption after 3 days and 7 days of
curing of the samples respectively by each samples with fiber length of 3mm to 5mm and
From Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2, for the specimens with varying amount of coconut
fiber, observed that there is a very minimal percentage of water absorption. The percentage
of water absorption decreased with the addition of volume of coconut fiber and its length.
In comparison of Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2, a similar decreasing trend can be observed. In
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the mixes with varying length and volume of coconut fiber, water absorption ranges from
0.1% to 0.6%. It is observed that the increase in volume of coconut fiber decreases its water
absorption. It indicates that the composite can resist penetration of water and higher fiber
2% 3% 4%
12.20
12.11
12.10
12.02
Water Absorption (%)
11.70 11.66
11.60
11.50
11.40
3 4 5 345
Fiber Length
Figure 4.1 Water Absorption after 3 days of curing
2% 3% 4%
0.40 0.36 0.37
0.35 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.33
Water Absorption (%)
0.30 0.30
0.30
0.25 0.25
0.25 0.23
0.19
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
3 4 5 345
Fiber Length
stability of samples in length, width, and thickness. The standard board sizes of
100mmx100mmx12mm use for this test was recommended in a previous study by Hashim
et al., (2005) considering a series of two trials with a total of twenty-four samples. Figure
4.3 and Figure 4.4 shows the percentage of thickness swelling after 3 days and 7 days of
curing of the samples respectively by each samples with fiber length of 3mm to 5mm and
From Figure 4.3 and Figure 4.4, for the specimens with varying amount of coconut
fiber, it can be observed that there is a very minimal percentage of thickness swelling. The
percentage of thickness swelling decreases with the addition of volume of coconut fiber
and its length. Comparing Figure 4.3 and Figure 4.4, a similar decreasing trend can be
observed. In the mixes with varying length and volume of coconut fiber, thickness swelling
ranges from 0.19% to 0.37%. It can be observed that the increase in volume of coconut
fiber resulted to a decrease in thickness swelling. It was also observed that there is a
negligible increase of thickness swelling when the specimen is cured in 3 days and 7 days.
2% 3% 4% 0.37
0.40 0.36
Thickness Swelling (%)
0.40 2% 3% 4%
0.36 0.37
0.35 0.33 0.33
0.32 0.32
0.30 0.30
Thickness Swelling (%)
0.30
0.25 0.25
0.25 0.23
0.19
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
3 4 5 345
Fiber Length
Nail Pull resistance is the measurement on the ability of the boards to hold a nail
while subjected to loadings. The values specified were the measurement of the magnitude
of force which corresponds to the extent of force when the nail is pulled out from the board.
Figure 4.5 and Figure 4.6 shows the results of the nail pull resistance test using a board
(50x150x12 mm) consisting of two trials indicated by with 2%, 3%, 4% amount of fiber
and ASTM C 1395. This test was done after curing of 3 days. This results were taken and
were computed using the formula shown in the methodology and also compared to the
Figures 4.5 shows that specimen C3 has the highest value of 776.104N having
a 5cm fiber length and 4% fiber content while specimen A1 and A2 have the lowest
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and A2 did not pass the ASTM minimum standard. It also shows that the amount and
length of fiber affects the ability of the board to hold a nail while subjected to loadings.
The longer the length and the amount of fiber used, the higher the results.
2% 3% 4%
900.00
776.10
800.00 745.06
682.97
700.00
Nail Pull Strength
600.19 600.19
600.00 538.10 527.75
507.05
476.01 476.01
500.00 444.97
393.23
400.00
300.00
200.00
100.00
0.00
3 4 5 345
Fiber Length
Figure 4.5 Nail Pull Resstance after 3 days of Curing
Figure 4.6 shows that specimen C3 has the highest value of 776.104N having
a 5cm fiber length and 4% fiber content while specimen A1 has the lowest value of
393.226N.
It also shows that the amount and length of fiber affects the ability of the board
to hold a nail while subjected to loadings. The longer the length and the amount of the
2% 3% 4%
1000.00 910.63
900.00 848.54
817.50
776.10
800.00 745.06
693.32 703.67
672.62
Nail Pull Strength
700.00 641.58
579.49
600.00 538.10
476.01
500.00
400.00
300.00
200.00
100.00
0.00
3 4 5 345
Fiber Length
Figure 4.6 Nail Pull Resistance after 7 days of Curing
The modulus of rupture was performed in accordance to ASTM C-36. Before testing, the
compression machine was calibrated for modulus of rupture test and the specimen were
marked on the center as well as on each side with an offset of 120 mm from the center after
Figure 4.9 shows the maximum load in the gypsum board before failure,
consisting of two trials indicated by length of fiber (3cm, 4cm, 5cm and combination
of 3,4,5cm) with 2%, 3%, 4% amount of fiber and ASTM standard respectively. Trial
A shows that samples with fiber length of 3cm and 2% fiber content has the highest
values which is 126.98N. While Trial C, with 5cm fiber length and 4% fiber content
It was observed that the increase in amount and length of coconut fiber
decreases the load it can carry. It was also observed in Figure 4.8 that the coconut fiber
have the ability to carry some load while the specimen is subjected to loading.
2% 3% 4%
140.00 126.98
114.46 118.40
120.00 110.51
98.67 98.67
100.00 90.77 90.78 86.83 90.77 90.78
82.88
Load (N)
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
3 4 5 3, 4, 5
Fiber Length (cm)
Figure 4.7 Bending Strength after 3 days of curing
Figure 4.9 shows the values of the modulus of rupture of gypsum board
indicated by length of fiber (3cm, 4cm, 5cm and combination of 3, 4,5cm) with 2%,
3%, 4% amount of fiber and ASTM standard respectively. This test was done after
curing of 3 days. Trials A with 2% fiber content and 3 cm fiber length had the highest
value of 211.079N while Trial C with 4% fiber content and 5cm fiber length had the
lowest value of 136.655N. It also shows that the samples from the 3 days curing failed
250.00
2% 3% 4%
211.11
200.80
193.21
200.00
175.49
164.64 163.32
153.00 147.35
153.45 140.81 142.71
136.66
Load (N)
150.00
100.00
50.00
0.00
3 4 5 3, 4, 5
Length (cm)
fiber (3cm, 4cm, 5cm and combination of 3,4,5cm) with 2%, 3%, 4% amount of fiber
and ASTM standard respectively. This test was done after curing of 3 days. Trial A
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shows that samples with fiber length of 3cm and 2% fiber content has the highest
values which is 378.94N. While Trial C, with 5cm fiber length and 4% fiber content
has the lowest value of 296.011N. It was observed that the increase in amount and
length of coconut fiber decreases the load it can carry. It was also observed that the
coconut fiber have the ability to carry some load while the specimen is subjected to
loading.
2% 3% 4%
378.89
400.00 363.11 351.27 347.32
347.32 339.43 315.75 335.48
350.00 331.53 327.59
307.85
300.00 296.01
250.00
Load (N)
200.00
150.00
100.00
50.00
0.00
3 4 5 3, 4, 5
Length (cm)
Figure 4.11 shows the modulus of rupture on the gypsum board (50x150x12 mm)
consisting of three trials indicated by length of fiber (3cm, 4cm, 5cm and combination of
3, 4,5cm) with 2%, 3%, 4% amount of fiber and ASTM standard respectively. This test
was done after curing of 7 days. Trials A with 2% fiber content and 3 cm fiber length had
the highest value of 630.713N while Trial C with 4% fiber content and 5cm fiber length
had the lowest value of 262.488N. It also shows that the samples from the 3 days curing
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failed the minimum standards of the ASTM C1395-1935M. It was observed that at 7 days
of curing of the specimen helps to increase the strength of the gypsum board. The curing
helps to maintain moisture level on the gypsum board so that hydration can continue.
2% 3% 4%
700.00 630.71
617.08 579.16 569.39 585.92
600.00 560.44 565.94 568.53
550.06 512.71 501.63
500.00 502.49
Load (N)
400.00
300.00
200.00
100.00
0.00
3 4 5 3, 4, 5
Fiber Length (cm)
Figure 4.11 Modulus of Rupture after 7 days of curing
20 18.18
17.13
15
Flexural Strength (MPa)
10 8.90
5.85
5
0
FRGB (3 days) FRGB (7 days) Commercial ASTM
Samples Product
Figure 4.12 Flexural Strength
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Figure 4.12 shows the comparison between the strength of the Coconut Coir Fiber-
Reinforced Gypsum (3 & 7 Days) with that of the Gold Bond Interior Extreme Gypsum
Panel and ASTM Standard, respectively. The figure shows that the flexural strength of the
mix failed in the 3 days curing but passed the 7 days curing.
25 22.18
Nail Pull Strength (MPa)
15
10
0
FRGB (3 days) FRGB (7 days) Commercial ASTM
Product
Sample
Figure 4.13 shows the result of the Nail pull strength of the Coconut Coir Fiber-
Reinforced Gypsum (3 & 7 Days) in comparison with the Gold Bond Interior Extreme
Gypsum Panel and ASTM, respectively. The figure shows that the specimen tested for 3
days curing already passed the nail pull resistance of Gold Bond Interior Extreme Gypsum
6
5 5
5
3
1.8 1.9
2
0
1 2 3 4
Samples
Figure 4.14 shows the results for water absorption. The set standard by ASTM is
that water absorption should not be greater than 5% of weight. Based on the result
gathered, the product passed the water absorption test. It indicates that the coconut fiber
SEM of Fiber Reinforced Gypsum Board: Specimen A with a mix design of 5cm
fiber length, 4% fiber content by weight of cement and was cured for 3 days. The size
distribution of pores in the gypsum ceiling board by SEM image analysis are
discussed. Results of the measurements done on the specimens with a water cement ratio
of 0.55 and 0.35 and were cured for 3 to 7 days are reported. The specimens were cut into
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one cm by one cm with a thickness of one centimeters. The images are two-dimensional
In Figures 4.17, 4.18, 4.19, 4.20, the particle size is indicated by the scale bar in
the lower right corner and also shows the magnification as follows specimen a (1)
magnification × 40; (2) magnification × 300; (3) magnification × 400. The contrast of
As shown are the numbers of surface cracks, pores and bonding of the fiber in the
cement-gypsum board shown. The pores occurred due to the bonding of fiber itself and
also the penetration across the specimen ranges from 10-70 μm had straight pore edge
and clear grain boundary without any dissolution. Cracks and pores varies directionally
Figure 4.17 Scanning the surface of specimen A Figure 4.18 Scanning the surface of specimen A
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Figure 4.19 Scanning the surface of specimen A Figure 4.20 Scanning the surface of specimen A
SEM of Fiber Reinforced Gypsum Board: Specimen B with a mix design of 3cm
fiber length, 2% fiber content by weight of cement and was cured for 7 days. The size
distribution of pores in the gypsum ceiling board by SEM image analysis are discussed.
Results of such measurements are reported with a water-cement ratio 0.55 and 0.35 and
of ages ranging from 3 to 7 days. The specimen were cut to one cm by one cm with a
thickness of one centimeter. The images are two-dimensional grey scaled images
In Figures 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, 4.24, the particle size is indicated by the scale bar in
the lower right corner and also shows the magnification as follows specimen a (1)
magnification × 40; (2) magnification × 300; (3) magnification × 400. The contrast of
these images shows the morphology of the samples. As shown are the number of surface
cracks, pores and bonding of fiber in the cement-gypsum board. These cracks can be
attributed due to of the preparation and cutting of specimen which has a required
dimension for the SEM analysis. Pores occur due to the bonding of fiber itself and also
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the penetration across the specimen. Cracks and pores varies directionally on the
As shown in the picture, there are lesser number of surface cracks, pores as
compared to specimen A. These cracks can be attributed due to the preparation and cutting
of specimen which has a required dimension for the SEM analysis. The micro-fractures
were also identified in some samples, the widths of the micro fractures ranged from 2 μm
to 10 μm, with the majority between 2 μm and 5 μm, while their lengths were up to 10 mm.
Pores occur due to the bonding of fiber itself and also the penetration across the specimen
this kind of pores ranged between 30 μm and 100 μm and presented various irregular
shapes, characterized by relatively large pore sizes and good connectivity shown in
Fig.4.23. Some Cracks and pores varies directionally on the percentage of fiber of the mix
design.
Figure 4.21 Scanning the surface of specimen B Figure 4.22 Scanning the surface of specimen B
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Figure 4.23 Scanning the surface of specimen B Figure 4.24 Scanning the surface of specimen B
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed in order to determine whether there is any
statistically significant difference between the means of two or more variables used in the study.
With the use of ANOVA for statistical analysis of the obtained results, a hypothesis has been
proposed. The hypothesis, which is the length and amount of coconut coir fiber affects the strength
of the gypsum board, can be rejected by comparing the P-values obtained to the standard P-value
which is 0.05. The statistical significance of the results can be obtained by comparing the F-value
to the F-crit values. If the F-value is higher than F-crit, then the hypothesis is not true and the
As shown from the ANOVA of two groups in Tables 4.7 and 4.8, both F-value are higher
than F-crit value. This means that the mean of the results deviates with the increase of length and
addition of percentage of coconut coir fiber. This also means that the hypothesis can be rejected,
thus implying that the length and percentage of coconut coir fiber influences the strength of
gypsum board.
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SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
3 mm 2 757.78718 378.89359 4.45213
4 mm 2 702.53187 351.26593 26.23777
5 mm 2 631.48932 315.74466 9.03125
3, 4, 5 mm 2 694.63825 347.31913 54.39245
ANOVA
Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 4011.15356 3 1337.05119 56.82712 0.00098 6.59138
Within Groups 94.11360 4 23.52840
Total 4105.26715 7
SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
2% 2 757.78718 378.89359 9.03125
3% 2 726.21272 363.10636 8.67445
4% 2 694.63825 347.31913 6.54496
ANOVA
Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 996.94690 2 498.47345 61.66515 0.00366 9.55209
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Total 1021.19756 5