Flexural Strength and Thermal Conductivity of Fiber-Reinforced Calcium Silicate Boards Prepared from Fly Ash

Abstract

A novel fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board was prepared from fly ash. The effects of compression pressure, pulp fiber content, and cement content on the flexural strength and thermal conductivity of the fiber-reinforced calcium silicate boards were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board had a high flexural strength of 10.55 MPa and low thermal conductivity of 0.2424 W/(m·K). The high flexural strength of the fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board was attributed to the good adhesion and penetration between fibers and the matrix, and the solidification of cement in calcium silicate board, enhancing the ability of the board to withstand the shear failure and bending force. The low thermal conductivity of the fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board was ascribed to the high porosity of the fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board and the low thermal conductivity of the porous tobermorite solid phase. This fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board has a potential application as a new building material.