Impact of nipah palm stem fiber volume fraction on the physical and mechanical properties of cement-based particle board composites

Cement particle boards are highly valued in the construction industry for their excellent physical and mechanical properties. This study investigates the incorporation of nipah palm stem fibers and mussel shell powder as sustainable alternatives to traditional materials in cement particle boards. Innovations in composite materials, such as incorporating natural fibers like nipah palm stem fibers and mussel shell powder, further enhance their environmental sustainability. This study explores improving the mechanical and physical properties of cement particle boards by increasing the volume fraction of nipah palm stem fibers. Nipah palm stem fibers were incorporated at volume fractions of 30%, 40%, and 50%, combined with a fixed 10% mussel shell powder and the remainder as Portland cement. The boards were fabricated using the compression molding method with a 3-ton load and subsequently subjected to physical and mechanical testing. Physical testing revealed a density range of 1.32 to 1.75 g/cm³, moisture content between 8.02% and 9.92%, and water absorption rates from 24.17% to 43.12%, indicating compliance with ISO 8335 and SNI 03-2105-2006 standards. The study concludes that increasing nipah palm stem fiber volume fraction positively influences bending strength, with a maximum strength of 14.71 MPa observed at 50% fiber content, demonstrating the material’s potential for structural applications in construction.