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. Based on the results in this study, natural fiber cement sheets made of cement mortar contain- ing coconut coir fiber and oil palm fiber yielded the comparable effects in the physical and thermal properties. The following con clusions can be drawn.
1. 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. The fiber should be treated before being mixed with the cement to get rid of some chemical compounds such as inorganic compounds which may affect the quality and durabil- ity of cement products in the long term.
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
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