Development of fiber cement boards using recycled jute fibers for building applications

This study aims to develop, enhance, and characterize the qualities of recycled jute fiber and kraft pulp as reinforcement for use in cement composite boards for building applications in developing countries. In many African countries, jute fiber (Corchorus capsularis) is readily available but faces challenges in achieving a strong bond with the cement matrix. To address this, mild treatment with different alkali concentrations was employed to modify the fiber properties before reinforcement. Alkali treatment significantly improved fiber characteristics such as tensile strength, Young’s modulus, thermal stability, and surface morphology, as confirmed by the single fiber tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Using a laboratory-simulated Hatschek process, cement composite boards were produced with varying percentages (2–6 wt.%) of treated and untreated jute fiber. The …