A review of Australian research into natural fibre cement composites

Over the last three decades considerable research has been committed to finding an alternative fibre to replace asbestos in fibre cement products. Australian research was centred on natural fibres and ultimately it was a natural fibre, wood pulp fibre, that was responsible for the greatest replacement of asbestos in the beleaguered global fibre cement industry. This review reports some of the Australian research that was carried out to establish natural fibres as a suitable reinforcement for cement products. Much research data is locked away in the archives of companies. The preparation and properties of the fibres are discussed briefly as well as their compatibility with existing processing technology. Some explanation of the bonding and microstructural behaviour (under load) within these composite materials is presented and related to their performance in service. The spread of the Australian wood fibre cement technology and the range of applications for which the natural fibre cements are used are discussed briefly, particularly with reference to USA and Asian activities. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.