This study investigates the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of termite mound soil (TMS) composites reinforced with coconut fibers (CFs) and empty fruit bunch spikelet fibers (EFBSF), addressing Cameroon’s housing crisis with sustainable building materials. Unlike previous studies that focused on single fiber types, this research explores the simultaneous incorporation of two different fiber types and the influence of four distinct sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment concentrations, offering a more comprehensive understanding of their combined effects. The findings contribute to the development of cost‐effective, ecofriendly alternatives to conventional construction materials like cement, particularly for urban areas such as Douala and Yaoundé, which face severe housing shortages. The fibers underwent warm water treatment at 100°C with NaOH at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% (FT1, FT2, FT3, and FT4). Composites were prepared with fiber concentrations ranging from 0% to 2.5%. Mechanical tests included compressive strength (70 × 70 × 70 mm samples) and flexural strength (160 × 40 × 40 mm samples). Water absorption peaked at 2.5% fiber content, with CF and EFBSF reaching 15.3% and 14.2%, respectively, but decreased to 13.2% and 12.8% after 4% NaOH treatment. The optimal performance was observed at 2.5% fiber content with 2% NaOH for EFBSF and 3% NaOH for CF. Peak flexural strengths were 1.81 MPa for EFBSF and 1.96 MPa for CF, while compressive strengths reached 2.0 and 1.57 MPa, respectively. The density ranged from 1510 (0% fiber) to 1350 kg/m 3 (2.5% fiber, FT4). NaOH treatment significantly enhanced mechanical performance and reduced water absorption. Thermal analysis demonstrated that incorporating CF and EFBSF into TMS bricks reduced volumetric calorific capacity, with variations of up to 36.55% for CF and 35.46% for EFBSF at 2.5% fiber content. The thermal conductivity decreased by up to 55.61% for CF and 50.99% for EFBSF, achieving minimum values of 0.383 and 0.423 W/mK, respectively. The reduction in thermal conductivity is attributed to increased fiber content, lower mass density, and enhanced insulating properties. These findings confirm that optimized NaOH treatment significantly improves the mechanical and thermal properties of TMS composites. By demonstrating the synergistic effects of two distinct fibers and multiple fiber treatments, this study provides a novel approach to enhancing TMS‐based composites. The results support the development of low‐cost, energy‐efficient housing materials tailored for areas facing severe housing shortages, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
Mofor et al. (Wed,) studied this question.