3.2 Density
Density testing was carried out on sample with the size of 100 mm x 100 mm x 40 mm according to procedure specified in BS 5669: Part 1.
Density was determined after curing the specimen for a period of 28 days.
Twelve (12) samples were prepared for the density test.
Table 3: Density of the samples
Coconut fiber
untreated coconut fiber (kg/m³)
Treated coconut fiber (kg/m³)
Reference sample (kg/m³)
0 wt. & 2197
3 wt. % 2055 2204
6 wt. % 2025 2179
9 wt. % 1955 2043
Table 3 shows the density of the cement panel. Generally, it can be seen that densities of all samples decrease with decreasing content of treated and untreated coconut fiber. Sample without coconut fiber gives the highest density (2197 kg/m3) whereas samples with 9 % untreated coconut fiber give the lowest density (1955 kg/m3). Density of the samples is mostly influenced by the mass of the panel.
The low density given by coconut fiber as its characteristic influenced the density of the samples. Density differs with sample without fiber that contains 100 % of sand inside the panel, so the weight of the panel will be higher than the panel with coconut fiber. The density of the cement panel with untreated coconut fiber is lower than the treated coconut fiber addition. Less of impurities present in treated coconut fiber will
improve packing behaviour and increase density of the samples. This result agrees well with compressive strength of the samples. The compressive strength decreased when the fiber content increased.