Manufacturing of Roofing Sheets Reinforced with Pretreated Cornhusk Residues as an Alternative for Asbestos Sheets

Abstract

The aim of the present study is the manufacturing of an alternative roofing sheet to replace the asbestos sheet. Pretreated cornhusk fibers from alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) pre-treatment was used as a reinforcing material of the composite mixture with ordinary portland cement. The existing AHP pre-treatment was modified in the present study for the application of the pre-treatment at industrial level, to prepare pre-treated fibers in a short time and cost effectively. Additionally, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly propylene are also used as reinforcement materials to improve the properties of the sheets. The developed roofing sheet had average water absorption of 17.09%, and the average flexural load of 0.6kN, which are within Sri Lankan standards of concrete roofing semi sheet.