Improvement and Production of Light Weight Blocks by Mixing Natural Fiber

Abstract

In this study, we investigated on the mechanical properties and physical properties of light weight block mixed with banana fibers. For the cost effective purpose and environmental friendly product, banana fibers, which is rich in fiber, was used as a precursor in producing light weight block. In this framework, a series of blocks were fabricated using banana fibers for instead different raw material involve cement and sand for 28 days incubation. The result show that the block with mix banana fiber was replaced cement in 2.5 %wt has the density value and compressive strength is 1,376 kg/m3 and 62.25 kg/cm3, respectively. While water absorption and the maximum shrinkage limit value are 32.86 % and 0.12 %, respectively were obtain from the samples mixing 7.5% of banana fibers. After examination of of Thai Industrial Standard (TIS 1505- 2541), the result illustrated the value are standard. It can be concluded that the light weight block mixed banana fibers in ratio of sand: cement: lime: gypsum: aluminum powder: banana fibers are 50: 27.5 : 9 : 9 : 2 : 2.5 will also be used as an alternative precursor materials for producing the light weight block by natural raw materials for cost effective purpose.