Title: Freeze-Thaw Durability of Commercial Fiber-Reinforced Cement Board

Author(s): Katherine G. Kuder and Professor Surendra P. Shah

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 224

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 145-160

Keywords: fiber-reinforced cement board, Hatschek process, freeze-thaw durability, interlaminar bond strength, porosity, pressure

DOI: 10.14359/13414

Date: 12/1/2004

Abstract:
Fiber-reinforced cement board (FRCB) is increasing in consumer popularity because it is more durable than conventional wood products. However, concerns exist about the freeze-thaw durability of the material due to its laminated structure and high porosity. To overcome these weaknesses, some manufacturers have begun to press the material after it is formed. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of this new processing on the durability of the FRCB. Three commercially-available FRCB products – two that had been pressed and one that had not – were subjected to accelerated freeze-thaw cycling according to a modified version of ASTM Standard C1185. The flexural strength, interlaminar bond (ILB) strength and porosity were measured. The results indicate that pressure might improve the ILB and flexural strength of the FRCB after freeze-thaw testing. However, porosity is not affected by pressure after freeze-thaw.