WHICH IS THE RIGHT BOARD FOR THE JOB? A CRITICAL COMPARISON

摘要

With the diversification of the inorganic-bonded board industry we have seen a proliferation of new boards and their applications in areas previously not open to conventional materials such as gypsum board. There have been different claims and counterclaims regarding properties and performance of such boards, their successes and failures. This paper attempts to sort through different cement- and gypsum-based boards and panels on the market, such as fibercement, gypsum fiberboard, and glass mat-faced gypsum board. We intend to provide a critical comparison of these products' physical characteristics both in conventional strength and hygrometric assessments, as well as in larger scale soft- and hard-body impact, penetration and abrasion tests. Based on their properties, we will review and discuss the suitability, advantages and limitations of these inorganic-bonded boards for various current value-added market applications such as impact- and abuse-resistant panels, exterior sheathing and EIFS substrates, and flooring substrates. The drivers enabling expansion of cement- and gypsum-based boards' applications will be reviewed, as well as the barriers limiting further strong market penetration of different boards.