Improving the performance of office wastepaper fiber-based polymeric gypsum fiberboards: Analysis of physical and mechanical properties

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Wood and Paper Industries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.

10.22059/jfwp.2025.384904.1318

Abstract

We investigated the mechanical and physical properties of polymer-reinforced gypsum fiberboards to develop a new generation of lightweight gypsum fiber panels with standard and improved properties. Polymeric gypsum fiberboards exhibit high moisture resistance, and various products have been introduced to the market. To prepare the samples, the grout method was used, incorporating office wastepaper fibers and additives such as cement, modified hydrated lime, perlite, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl acetate resin powder into the gypsum matrix. In the first stage, compressive strength, bending strength, and water absorption (surface and total) tests were performed as the main standard tests. In the second stage, polymeric gypsum fiberboards were produced under the optimal conditions determined from the first stage. The optimal conditions were selected based on the first-stage results, and the selected materials were combined. The results showed that treatments containing polyvinyl alcohol and cement exhibited the highest compressive and bending strength, while the combination of gypsum and hydrated lime resulted in the lowest total and surface water absorption. Overall, gypsum fiberboards containing cement, coated lime, and polyvinyl alcohol proved to be the best treatment in terms of physical properties (surface and total water absorption: 28% and 29%, respectively), mechanical properties (compressive strength: 3.28 MPa, bending strength: 3.32 N/mm²), and thermal resistance (as confirmed by FTIR and TGA-DTA). These fiberboards meet the minimum standard characteristics and can be used as lightweight polymeric gypsum fiberboards.

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References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 77, Issue 4
March 2025
Pages 377-390

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