Exploring The Flexibility of Coconut Husk Fibers as Cement Reinforcement

Abstract

Coconut husks, the fibrous outer layer of the coconut fruit, have long been recognized for their versatility, finding application in industries such as paper production, arts, and even construction. This research delves into an innovative use of coconut husk fibers as a potential reinforcing material in cement blocks, aiming to explore their influence on the material’s durability. The study specifically focuses on the impact of incorporating processed coconut husk fibers into cement mixtures and the subsequent effect on the compressive strength of the resulting blocks. Through a controlled experiment, coconut husks were processed and mixed with cement to form reinforced blocks, which were then allowed to solidify for 24 hours. Following this, durability testing was conducted at TcT Terms Pasig, where the compressive strength of the coconut husk-reinforced cement was measured. The results revealed a significant improvement in the durability of the fiber-reinforced cement blocks, with the experimental group able to withstand up to 36.3kN of pressure, in contrast to the control group, which withstood only 30.40kN. This suggests that the incorporation of coconut husk fibers can effectively enhance the structural integrity of cement-based materials, offering a promising alternative to traditional reinforcement materials commonly used in construction. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential for coconut husks, an abundant agricultural byproduct in regions like the Philippines, to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for reinforcing cement, particularly in areas where conventional reinforcement materials may be scarce or expensive. The findings pave the way for future investigations, suggesting that further experimentation could unlock even greater potential for coconut husk-reinforced cement, possibly through optimizing fiber concentration, improving processing methods, and exploring long-term durability under varying environmental conditions. The study serves as a foundational platform for future researchers who wish to build upon this work, particularly those aiming to bridge the gap between agricultural waste management and innovative engineering solutions in the construction industry.