Over the last three decades considerable research has been undertaken to find an alternative fibre to replace asbestos in asbestos-cement products. Australian research focused on natural fibres and ultimately it was a natural fibre ― wood pulp fibre ― that proved to be a suitable replacement for asbestos fibres. This paper reports on some of the Australian research that led to the commercial exploitation of natural fibres as reinforcement for cement products. The preparation and properties of the fibres are discussed, as well as their compatibility with existing processing technology. Some explanation of the bonding and microstructural behaviour (under load) within these composite materials is presented and related to their performance in service. The spread of the Australian wood fibre-cement technology and the range of applications for which the natural fibre-cement composites are used are discussed briefly, particularly with reference to activities in the USA and Asia.
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