Mechanical Properties of Local Sponge (Acanthus montanus) as an Alternative Fibers in Production of Plaster of Paris (POP) Composite

Abstract

Local sponge fiber (Acanthus montanus) and synthetic string were used as in this study as reinforcements for ceiling material. This local sponge fiber, are known to possess adequate strength and rigidity as well as being available in large quantity and relatively low cost, they also, require low level of energy during production processes. Therefore, it was used as an alternative to the usual Synthetic string always used for Plaster of Paris for ceiling board. The fibers, whose mass fraction were the variables in this research, were cut into appropriate small sizes and blended with cement and water. The resultant sludge was thereafter decanted into molds while the surplus water was drained which allowed the molten composite to be hardened. Flexural test, Impact test and Hardness test were carried out on the various samples. The flexural strength of local sponge is higher at 0.10% and 0.20% than that of Synthetic string. The result of these tests established the possibility of utilizing the local sponge fiber as alternative fortification in Plaster of Paris for the purpose of ceiling board. The work justifies the economic Consumption of these otherwise local Materials that are detrimental as foreign and environmental pollution agent.