Composites with gypsum matrix reinforced with eucalyptus wood fibers

The construction market is growing in the demand for new materials, which are sustainable and present better properties. This work aimed to develop and characterize eucalyptus fiber reinforced plaster based compounds. For the production of composites, thin casting plaster and Eucalyptus spp. fibers were used. The ratios used for the incorporation of reinforcement were 0; 2.5; 5; 7.5 and 10% replacing the plaster mass. The specimens were made of wooden molds. Physical and mechanical measurements were taken on samples with dimensions of 40 x 40 x 160 mm. With the mixtures strength increased the static bending capacity and compressive strength, while the apparent density decreased. All materials met the standards for bending and compression. The incorporation of eucalyptus plant fibers is a viable alternative for the production of compounds at the different reinforcement levels evaluated. © 2020 University of Sao Paolo. All rights reserved.