Physical and mechanical properties of gypsum particleboard reinforced with Portland cement

High thickness swelling, high water absorption and low mechanical properties of gypsum particleboard limit its utilization in building construction. Gypsum particleboard reinforced with Portland cement could result in a product with higher mechanical properties and an acceptable resistance to moisture. Physical and mechanical properties of gypsum-cement particleboards were analyzed for specimens previously conditioned at 20 °C and 60% relative humidity and then soaked in water for 24 hours. The results showed that Portland cement incorporation increased the mechanical resistance of the boards. In the dry state, Portland cement addition generated a modulus of rupture increase ratio of 53% and an internal bond strength increase ratio of 206%. Higher increase ratios were obtained after 24 hours water soaking. An increase ratio of 642% was obtained for the modulus of rupture and 97% for hardness. Furthermore, the addition of Portland cement resulted in a reduction ratio of 21% for water absorption after 2 hours water soaking and 26% after 24 hours water soaking. Moreover, reduction ratios of 43% and 61% in thickness swelling and 33% and 46% in linear variation were observed after 2 and 24 hours water soaking. It can be concluded that Portland cement is a suitable reinforcing material for improving the performance of gypsum particleboard.