Effect of plant fiber characteristics on mechanical properties of calcium silicate board based on optimum fiber content

Plant fibers are one of the most promising calcium silicate board (CSB) reinforcement materials because of their many sources, suitable sizes, high tensile strengths, and natural renewable properties. In this study, an applicable plant fiber selection method for reinforcing CSBs was established. The morphology, components, and mechanical properties of different brands of plant fibers were analyzed for factor screening. Based on the wet processes of CSBs, the effects of plant fiber additions on the mechanical properties of CSBs were studied, and the optimum addition amount of plant fiber was determined to be 8 wt.%. Through multiple linear regression analysis of the physical and chemical properties of plant fibers and the mechanical properties of CSBs, a plant fiber strengthening index (Fsi) and toughening index (Fti) of CSBs were formulated as a plant fiber applicability index. The fitted R² values of the plant fiber strengthening index and toughening index were 0.88 and 0.71, respectively, showing good correlation. The validity of the plant fiber applicability index in evaluating the fiber reinforcement potential was verified by experiments. The results provided a significant method for the prediction of plant fibers’ reinforcement potential and the selection of plant fibers for CSB reinforcement.