Natural fiber cement sheets offer an alternative to products such as asbestos that could increase the value of the reused mate- rials from agricultural manufacturing.The proper mix proportion for manufacturing natural fiber cement flat sheets. to optimize their heat insulation, includes coconut coir fiber or oil palm fiber up to 10% weight ratio to the binder.
2. The fiber cement sheets made with coconut coir and oil palm fiber yielded an increase in apparent porosity and a decrease in bulk density. The increased amount of fibers added to the mix proportions resulted in a lower compressive and flexural strength of fiber cement products; however, these values meet the ASTM standards for fiber cement sheet and roofing.
3. Incorporation of coconut coir fiber and oil palm fiber into the mix proportion lowered the bulk density of products and also reduced the product's thermal conductivity, which provide effective heat insulation. Moreover, it has relatively low heat conductivity when compared to other fiber cement sheets in the market. The natural fiber cement sheets can be applied for both naturally ventilated and air-conditioned residential build- ings in that energy efficiency can be improved