Properties of Gypsum Boards Made with Cedrus Tree (Cedrus libani) Components. Part 1. Physical and Mechanical Properties

In this study, it was found that the addition of wood had a reducing effect on water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) properties in gypsum-based boards. The lowest WA value 41.56% sample prepared with cedrus’s bark/needle mixture (KaI3; 3:2 by weight). It has also been realized experimental boards made only bark-gypsum (SKa6), cone-gypsum (SKo6) needle-gypsum (SI6) proportions show Thickness Swelling values 33.70%, 21.70% 18.85%, respectively. However, surface hardness (Shore D) usually correlated content but natural weathering negatively effects lowering from -6.9% (SKa1) to -30.3% (SKa2) all typse panels produced cedrus wood/cone (SKo); wood/needle (SI) cone/needle (KoI) have no higher than standard Internal Bond (IB) 0.28 N/mm2. But highest IB 0.48 N/mm2 observed for SKa5 ratio 1:4 wood/bark (w/w). Moreover, bending strength (MOR) 1.32 were calculated SKa2 4:1 These mechanical are probably related board manufacturing process, which consists multi stage processing (slushing, soaking, formation, pressing drying) may hindering reinforcement elements develop network matrix properly.