Vegetable fiber cement is a new compound made from a mixture of cement, inorganic waste (slag) and plant fibers (banana, sisal, coconut, eucalyptus or other plants). Vegetal fiber cement has several advantages over common fiber cement. This material stands out mainly for not offering health risks related to inorganic dust, as occurs with mineral fibers. In addition, reinforcing the cementitious matrix with plant fibers improves the mechanical performance and durability of these materials. Another advantage is related to water absorption. The vegetable fiber cement samples have a relevant waterproofing capacity.

The purpose of this work is the development and characterization of a concrete material reinforced with natural fibers. The use of plant fibers in civil construction is sustainable and environmentally friendly. The inorganic residue used was red clay. Vegetal fibers of Sansevieria trifasciata (popularly known as Espada de São Jorge in Brazil) were tested as reinforcement of the cementitious matrix. Sansevieria trifasciata fibers can increase the mechanical strength of the cementitious matrix. The fibers were subjected to an alkaline treatment in order to increase their surface area. In addition, the fiber size was also tested. The fiber size has a direct influence on its dispersion in the matrix. The material was subjected to compression and structural physical tests (absorption index, voids index, specific mass), treatment and characterization of the vegetable fiber, and also the granulometry of the cement mixture. The results indicate that the fiber size and the chemical treatment previously carried out significantly influence the physical properties and ability to withstand compressive load.