Gypsum-based composites reinforced with bamboo particles

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of gypsum-based mineral composites reinforced with bamboo particles. The particles size was 1.68 mm and 0.841 mm. The density adopted for the composites was 0.80 g/cm³. The following weight replacement ratios were adopted: 0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10.0%. The water/solid mass factor of the composite remained constant. For each treatment two slabs of composites were produced. Physical and mechanical properties were determined: humidity, apparent density, water absorption (2 and 24 hours), modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and compression. The results showed that the apparent density and moisture content of the composites were not influenced by the insertion of the bamboo particles, while the water absorption was significantly reduced. The addition of the bamboo reinforcement particles did not cause improvements in the MOR and MOE properties, but all the MOR values of the treatments reached the value established by EN 13279-2 (EN, 2004). Although all treatments have reached the minimum values stipulated by the standard for compressive strength, all values were reduced with the insertion of bamboo particles. In general, the Dendrocalamus giganteus can be used as reinforcement in gypsum composites, however new parameters should be tested, such as: particle size; increasing the proportions of particles, pre-treatment of particles, addition of other additives, such as superplasticizer to water to improve workability and even use more than one reinforcement to obtain composites with improved properties.