The Use of Cow Hair as an Eco-Friendly Reinforcement Material for Ceiling Tiles

Abstract

This study explores using cow hair as a sustainable reinforcement in ceiling tiles by analyzing its properties and integrating it into cement, kaolin, calcium carbonate, starch, and gypsum matrices. Three formulations were created: Sample A (cow hair cementitious tile), Sample B (Gypsum tiles reinforced with cow hair), and Sample C (gypsum with fillers as the control). All samples underwent water absorption, flexural strength, and friability tests per ASTM standards for interior ceilings.

Results showed all samples absorbed less than 35%, with Sample A performing best at 27.69%. Friability was under 7%, with Sample A again best at 3.97%. Flexural tests indicated that Sample A had the highest strength (2.50 Mpa) and ductility (9 mm), while Sample B had the lowest (1.58 Mpa, 4 mm), indicating higher stiffness but lower toughness. Sample C showed moderate results.

Regression analysis confirmed elastic load as the main factor influencing deflection (R² = 99.83%), but limited sample size means further testing is needed.

Overall, cow hair shows promise as reinforcement, especially in moisture-prone indoor environments.