The Development of Fiber–Cement Flat Sheets by Young and Mature Coconut Fibers to Replace Asbestos for Eco-Friendly Products

This study investigated young and mature coconut fibers as an asbestos replacement in fiber–cement flat sheets. The ratio of fiber content ranged from 5% to 9.5% in increments of 0.5% by weight of binder. Crushed rock dust (CRD) was also utilized in this study at a ratio of 50% as sand replacement. The results showed that the addition of young coconut fiber (YCF) and mature coconut fiber (MCF) in flat sheets increased with decreasing bulk density and thermal conductivity. The optimum fiber content was 6.5%–7% by weight of binder for two types of fiber with the highest modulus of rupture of 12–13 MPa. The modulus of rupture and density of fiber–cement flat sheets using YCF were higher than that of fiber–cement flat sheets using MCF, which was clarified by SEM results due to the denser structure of MCF. Moreover, the modulus of rupture was directly proportional to the modulus of elasticity in fiber–cement flat sheets.