Evaluation of fiber reinforced nanostructured perlite-cementitious surface compounds for building skin applications

The effect of short polypropylene (PP) fiber loading on the fracture resistance and indirect tensile strength of nanostructured perlite-cementitious surface compounds (NPCSC) is studied. Loadings of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%, by weight, of short PP fiber were added to the control mix. An increase of 34% in the indirect tensile strength was achieved at a PP fiber loading of 2% by weight. A fourfold increase in the fracture resistance was achieved at a fiber loading between 3% and 4%. Siding panels 1.6 cm thick was constructed and no cracking was observed after 6 months in the fiber reinforced panels, while cracks emanating from the outer edges of the panels without PP fibers were observed.