ABSTRACT
Fiber-cement specimens were tested for their basic physical and mechanical properties. Four organic fibers (rice straw, sugar-cane bagasse, banana raquis, and coconut husk), previously treated by chemical and mechanical methods, were combined each separately in a relatively dry cement mix. Three different fiber percentages were selected. Paired specimens were stored under indoor ambient conditions and tested in the same manner after six years to study the effect of time on the fibers and properties of the composite. No significant differences in strength relative to the un-reinforced specimens were observed, yet fiber-cement specimens were more ductile. Physical properties did vary according to the fiber percentage.
