Microstructural Properties of Gypsum Composites containing Pineapple Leaf Fibre

Abstract

The interest in prospective uses of gypsum as a finishing component has diminished in recent years as a result of its weak mechanical strength, which is essential in interior construction. Therefore, to overcome this challenge, researchers have come up with various ways of improving the gypsum composite materials. The microstructure of the composites and the contact surface with pineapple leaf fibre were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The microstructural properties of the gypsum paste changed when pineapple leaf fibre was added. These studies showed that at 2% fibre volume, a jellylike surface coating was formed around the gypsum crystals, giving the pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)-gypsum composite its high interlocking and compactness, thereby impacting high strength than the pure gypsum and this suggests its broader application in building industry for production of partition boards