Effectiveness of kapok fiber (ceiba pentandra) as partial replacement of aggregates in the design mix of concrete roof tiles

Abstract

Concrete roof tile is an excellent roofing material due to its toughness and durability. However, due to its weight being heavy and lack of thermal efficiency, its usage has been limited. It prompted an inquiry into the impact of incorporating kapok fiber in the design mix of concrete roof tile in the present study. Concrete roof tiles containing 1-3% percent kapok fiber were tested for their bulk density, water absorption, water permeability, transverse breaking strength, and thermal conductivity properties. Based on the results, adding kapok fiber significantly reduces the bulk density and the heat that can penetrate through the tiles and improves its water permeability property. Even if it increases the water absorption and decreases the transverse breaking strength of the tiles, the majority of the test results meet the specifications outlined in the standard. The tests revealed that incorporating kapok fiber in the concrete roof tile design mix is advantageous, and the optimum replacement of sand with kapok fiber is 2%.