High Performance Light-Weight Cement Composite Plates Using Wastepaper Fibers and Wire Mesh

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate parameters that affect the flexural behavior and shrinkage properties of light-weight cement composite plates using wastepaper fibers and wire mesh. Wastepaper fibers were prepared from disposed office papers which were shredded and immersed into water for a period of time and then they were grinded into small fibers. The properties of the composite plate were studied, i.e. flexural behavior, first-cracking and post-cracking strengths, energy absorption, and shrinkage. Parameters used in this study were Portland cement to paper ratio of the mixture by volume as well as shape, size, and layers of wire mesh used for reinforcement. The experimental results showed that layers of wire mesh and shape of wire mesh significantly influenced the flexural behavior and shrinkage of the composite plates. To achieve the highest performance in bending and the least shrinkage of the composite plates, the two layers of square wire mesh with the smallest opening size should be used for reinforcements.