Possibilities of Using Cellulose Fibres in Building Materials

Nowadays, utilization of wastes from agriculture, paper production and building construction is becoming increasingly important due to environmental concerns. Material recycling is a growing trend in the development of building materials; some waste materials can be used in construction as secondary raw materials. The demand for natural non-renewable raw materials is increasing rapidly, therefore, wastes as resources for secondary raw materials can be a good substitute in the production processes. In this way, the shortage of natural raw materials can be supplemented. Construction industry uses secondary raw materials very effectively thereby substituting virgin materials. One of the interesting secondary raw materials is waste coming from natural plant fibres. In this paper, characterization of cellulose fibres from wood pulp, waste paper and their use in cement composites are considered. Technically important parameters of hardened composites are determined and tested (density, water absorbability and compressive strength).