Effects of Manufacturing Techniques on the Physico-mechanical Properties of Cement-bonded Bagasse Fiber Composite

Natural fibers used in cement-based materials are gaining popularity; however, large variations in the properties and characteristics of the composites call for a better understanding of the influence of the production variables. This study examined the effects of methods of manufacture, fiber contents and pre-treatment on the physicomechanical properties of bagasse-reinforced cement composites. Composites were manufactured by conventional tapping, low-pressure pressing, and vibration methods incorporating bagasse fiber at 2%, 3%, and 4% by mass of cement. Fiber was pre-treated with calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution at 1%, 2%, and 3% (w/v) concentrations. The composites produced were examined for physical and mechanical properties, and the microstructures were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimal values of mean water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture were 6.47%, 0.18%, 3.2 GPa, and 6.3 MPa, respectively, and were obtained at 3% calcium chloride pre-treatment, 2% bagasse contents, and produced by vibration method. The results were further corroborated by the SEM analyses. The manufacturing methods, fiber contents and pre-treatments, and the interaction of these variables had significant effects on the sorption and the strength properties of the composites at α0.05.