Utilización de viruta de cuero en la elaboración de productos de fibrocemento para interiores en la empresa Tubasec C.A.

Abstract

The use of leather shavings in the production of indoor fiber cement products for the TUBASEC C.A. company emerges with the need to find new fibers capable of replacing chrysotile; this due to a possible ban of this material in the country.

The project, based on other international experiences, showed positive results that encourage further research using this material.

Tests were performed in the laboratory, using techniques and equipment that simulated the actual process. With help of the company, the interior flat sheet was selected as the test product, whose dosage was adapted for the inclusion of leather shavings at five different concentrations. The specimens prepared were evaluated at 7, 14 and 21 days of resistance acquisition. The variables evaluated were flexural strength or modulus of rupture, density and absorption.

The results were compared with the Ecuadorian Technical Standard NTE INEN 2084: 1996 corresponding to fiber cement flat sheets. Requirements; with the Internal Standard of the TUBASEC C.A. company and the Chi Square statistical method.

At the conclusion of the investigation the quality variables of the specimens, particularly the corresponding flexural strength or modulus of rupture, stood in Category 1, Type B according to the aforementioned Ecuadorian Technical Standard.