Influence of sisal fibers on the thermal behavior of gypsum matrix composites

Abstract

Composite materials with gypsum matrix are materials with properties that make it widely used as panels for partitions, ceilings, finishes and furniture for civil construction. However, the mechanical and thermal limitations of these materials require the incorporation of fibers that can contribute to these properties. The study of the specific heat and the thermal capacity of composite materials with gypsum matrix contributes to the determination of the conditions of use as thermal insulators, providing the distribution of temperatures and the thermal comfort of the built space. The objective of this work is to make a comparative evaluation of the specific heat and the thermal capacity, using a standard material, gypsum (highly porous and without reinforcement) and a composite material with gypsum matrix and sisal blanket reinforcement phase "in natura". Among the composite materials used in this study, we have the following conformations: gypsum-sisal-gypsum (GMG), gypsum-sisal-sisal-gypsum (GMMG), gypsum-sisal-gypsum-sisal- gypsum (GMGMG). The specific heat and thermal capacity test were performed using the method indicated by ASTM C 351-92b, NBR 15575 and NBR 15520. The results show that sisal fibers increase the thermal behavior of standard plaster, improving the thermal insulation function of material.