Title: Durability of Glass / Polymer Fibrous Mesh-Reinforced Thin Cementitious Composites Durability of Glass / Polymer Fibrous Mesh-Reinforced Thin Cementitious Composites

Author(s): G. J. Venta and J. F. Porter

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 190

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 117-132

Keywords: cement board; glass fiber scrim reinforcement; functional requirements, durability; simulated aging; non-woven scrim; woven scrim.

DOI: 10.14359/5724

Date: 4/1/2000

Abstract:
Composite cement boards emerged as some of the more innovative and highly promising engineered building materials. Such materials found their use in construction applications such as tile backerboard or EIFS substrate, where exposure to elements, water or high moisture, prevents the use of conventional gypsum- or wood-based products. These cementitious boards, typically 12.7 mm thick, usually consist of an aggregated Portland cement-based core matrix, reinforced with glass fiber materials. Virtually all boards developed and manufactured in North America employ two layers of glass-fiber scrim embedded on both sides of the board, just under the surface. To prevent alkali attack on the glass in the high pH environment of the cementitious matrix, the scrim is coated during manufacture using specially formulated PVC plastisols. This paper discusses the long term performance aspects and the comparative assessment of various woven and non-woven plastisol-coated glass fiber fabrics in thin cementitious products. The importance of proper plastisol coating, its formulation and application, is shown as well. Potential next generation of alternative reinforcements of fabric-faced cementitious boards, such as resistant AR-glass-based scrims and highly promising, patent pending developments of composite glass / polymer fibrous mesh reinforcement grids is reviewed as well.