Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards

Jerum Biepinwoh Kengoh; Josepha Foba Tendo; Fabien Betene Ebanda; Yakum Reneta Nafu; Armel Edwige Mewoli; Tido Tiwa Stanislas

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15

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| Peer-Reviewed

Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards

Jerum Biepinwoh Kengoh^*, Josepha Foba Tendo

, Fabien Betene Ebanda

, Yakum Reneta Nafu

, Armel Edwige Mewoli

, Tido Tiwa Stanislas

Published in International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (Volume 14, Issue 4)

Received: 23 June 2025 Accepted: 4 July 2025 Published: 15 August 2025

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Abstract

The impregnation of wood in fiber cement boards aims to replace traditional ceiling boards, which are prone to moisture damage over time. This study explores a modified hornification process involving fiber treatment with a solution of hexamine and gallic acid (H/G method) compared to a conventional hornification method (H method), where fibers are soaked in tap water. The objective is to evaluate the influence of this modified process on the morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of Urena lobata (UL) bast fibers from the Littoral region of Cameroon. The fibers underwent four wet-dry treatment cycles using both the H/G and H methods. Results revealed significant reductions in water and moisture absorption compared to untreated (UT) fibers. Water absorption decreased from 227.79±0.05% (UT) to 200.34±0.05% (H) and 130.37±0.03% (H/G), while moisture absorption reduced from 9.286% (UT) to 7.03% (H) and 5.854% (H/G). Additionally, an increase in fiber density was observed, rising from 1.72±0.012 g/cm³ (UT) to 1.78±0.012 g/cm³ (H) and 1.87±0.04 g/cm³ (H/G), attributed to the infiltration of hexamine and gallic acid into the fiber cells. Mechanical performance was assessed through flexural and compressive tests after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Both elastic modulus and compressive strength improved progressively from untreated fibers through the H method to the H/G method, with increases of 20% and 30%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the hexamine and gallic acid treatment enhances the effectiveness of the hornification process, significantly improving the water resistance and mechanical performance of the treated fibers.

Published in	International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (Volume 14, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15
Page(s)	154-171
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Urena Lobata, Hexamine, Gallic acid, Conventional Hornification, Modified Hornification Treatment

References

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Kengoh, J. B., Tendo, J. F., Ebanda, F. B., Nafu, Y. R., Mewoli, A. E., et al. (2025). Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 14(4), 154-171. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15

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Kengoh, J. B.; Tendo, J. F.; Ebanda, F. B.; Nafu, Y. R.; Mewoli, A. E., et al. Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards. Int. J. Mater. Sci. Appl. 2025, 14(4), 154-171. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15

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Kengoh JB, Tendo JF, Ebanda FB, Nafu YR, Mewoli AE, et al. Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards. Int J Mater Sci Appl. 2025;14(4):154-171. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15,
  author = {Jerum Biepinwoh Kengoh and Josepha Foba Tendo and Fabien Betene Ebanda and Yakum Reneta Nafu and Armel Edwige Mewoli and Tido Tiwa Stanislas},
  title = {Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards
},
  journal = {International Journal of Materials Science and Applications},
  volume = {14},
  number = {4},
  pages = {154-171},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmsa.20251404.15},
  abstract = {The impregnation of wood in fiber cement boards aims to replace traditional ceiling boards, which are prone to moisture damage over time. This study explores a modified hornification process involving fiber treatment with a solution of hexamine and gallic acid (H/G method) compared to a conventional hornification method (H method), where fibers are soaked in tap water. The objective is to evaluate the influence of this modified process on the morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of Urena lobata (UL) bast fibers from the Littoral region of Cameroon. The fibers underwent four wet-dry treatment cycles using both the H/G and H methods. Results revealed significant reductions in water and moisture absorption compared to untreated (UT) fibers. Water absorption decreased from 227.79±0.05% (UT) to 200.34±0.05% (H) and 130.37±0.03% (H/G), while moisture absorption reduced from 9.286% (UT) to 7.03% (H) and 5.854% (H/G). Additionally, an increase in fiber density was observed, rising from 1.72±0.012 g/cm³ (UT) to 1.78±0.012 g/cm³ (H) and 1.87±0.04 g/cm³ (H/G), attributed to the infiltration of hexamine and gallic acid into the fiber cells. Mechanical performance was assessed through flexural and compressive tests after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Both elastic modulus and compressive strength improved progressively from untreated fibers through the H method to the H/G method, with increases of 20% and 30%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the hexamine and gallic acid treatment enhances the effectiveness of the hornification process, significantly improving the water resistance and mechanical performance of the treated fibers.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards

AU  - Jerum Biepinwoh Kengoh
AU  - Josepha Foba Tendo
AU  - Fabien Betene Ebanda
AU  - Yakum Reneta Nafu
AU  - Armel Edwige Mewoli
AU  - Tido Tiwa Stanislas
Y1  - 2025/08/15
PY  - 2025
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DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15
T2  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JF  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JO  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
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EP  - 171
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15
AB  - The impregnation of wood in fiber cement boards aims to replace traditional ceiling boards, which are prone to moisture damage over time. This study explores a modified hornification process involving fiber treatment with a solution of hexamine and gallic acid (H/G method) compared to a conventional hornification method (H method), where fibers are soaked in tap water. The objective is to evaluate the influence of this modified process on the morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of Urena lobata (UL) bast fibers from the Littoral region of Cameroon. The fibers underwent four wet-dry treatment cycles using both the H/G and H methods. Results revealed significant reductions in water and moisture absorption compared to untreated (UT) fibers. Water absorption decreased from 227.79±0.05% (UT) to 200.34±0.05% (H) and 130.37±0.03% (H/G), while moisture absorption reduced from 9.286% (UT) to 7.03% (H) and 5.854% (H/G). Additionally, an increase in fiber density was observed, rising from 1.72±0.012 g/cm³ (UT) to 1.78±0.012 g/cm³ (H) and 1.87±0.04 g/cm³ (H/G), attributed to the infiltration of hexamine and gallic acid into the fiber cells. Mechanical performance was assessed through flexural and compressive tests after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Both elastic modulus and compressive strength improved progressively from untreated fibers through the H method to the H/G method, with increases of 20% and 30%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the hexamine and gallic acid treatment enhances the effectiveness of the hornification process, significantly improving the water resistance and mechanical performance of the treated fibers.
VL  - 14
IS  - 4
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Jerum Biepinwoh Kengoh

Laboratory of Mechanics and Adapted Materials, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon

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Josepha Foba Tendo

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1535-4878
Fabien Betene Ebanda

Laboratory of Mechanics and Adapted Materials, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon. Department of Mechanical Engineering, ENSET, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon

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http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5436-7084
Yakum Reneta Nafu

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Higher Technical Teacher Training College Bambili, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6528-2884
Armel Edwige Mewoli

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ENSET, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1482-4954
Tido Tiwa Stanislas

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ENSET, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6726-1112

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APA Style

Kengoh, J. B., Tendo, J. F., Ebanda, F. B., Nafu, Y. R., Mewoli, A. E., et al. (2025). Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 14(4), 154-171. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15

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ACS Style

Kengoh, J. B.; Tendo, J. F.; Ebanda, F. B.; Nafu, Y. R.; Mewoli, A. E., et al. Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards. Int. J. Mater. Sci. Appl. 2025, 14(4), 154-171. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15

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AMA Style

Kengoh JB, Tendo JF, Ebanda FB, Nafu YR, Mewoli AE, et al. Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards. Int J Mater Sci Appl. 2025;14(4):154-171. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15,
  author = {Jerum Biepinwoh Kengoh and Josepha Foba Tendo and Fabien Betene Ebanda and Yakum Reneta Nafu and Armel Edwige Mewoli and Tido Tiwa Stanislas},
  title = {Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards
},
  journal = {International Journal of Materials Science and Applications},
  volume = {14},
  number = {4},
  pages = {154-171},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmsa.20251404.15},
  abstract = {The impregnation of wood in fiber cement boards aims to replace traditional ceiling boards, which are prone to moisture damage over time. This study explores a modified hornification process involving fiber treatment with a solution of hexamine and gallic acid (H/G method) compared to a conventional hornification method (H method), where fibers are soaked in tap water. The objective is to evaluate the influence of this modified process on the morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of Urena lobata (UL) bast fibers from the Littoral region of Cameroon. The fibers underwent four wet-dry treatment cycles using both the H/G and H methods. Results revealed significant reductions in water and moisture absorption compared to untreated (UT) fibers. Water absorption decreased from 227.79±0.05% (UT) to 200.34±0.05% (H) and 130.37±0.03% (H/G), while moisture absorption reduced from 9.286% (UT) to 7.03% (H) and 5.854% (H/G). Additionally, an increase in fiber density was observed, rising from 1.72±0.012 g/cm³ (UT) to 1.78±0.012 g/cm³ (H) and 1.87±0.04 g/cm³ (H/G), attributed to the infiltration of hexamine and gallic acid into the fiber cells. Mechanical performance was assessed through flexural and compressive tests after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Both elastic modulus and compressive strength improved progressively from untreated fibers through the H method to the H/G method, with increases of 20% and 30%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the hexamine and gallic acid treatment enhances the effectiveness of the hornification process, significantly improving the water resistance and mechanical performance of the treated fibers.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Influence of Wet-Dry Treatment of Urena Lobata Fibers Reinforced Cement Boards

AU  - Jerum Biepinwoh Kengoh
AU  - Josepha Foba Tendo
AU  - Fabien Betene Ebanda
AU  - Yakum Reneta Nafu
AU  - Armel Edwige Mewoli
AU  - Tido Tiwa Stanislas
Y1  - 2025/08/15
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15
T2  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JF  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JO  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
SP  - 154
EP  - 171
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251404.15
AB  - The impregnation of wood in fiber cement boards aims to replace traditional ceiling boards, which are prone to moisture damage over time. This study explores a modified hornification process involving fiber treatment with a solution of hexamine and gallic acid (H/G method) compared to a conventional hornification method (H method), where fibers are soaked in tap water. The objective is to evaluate the influence of this modified process on the morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of Urena lobata (UL) bast fibers from the Littoral region of Cameroon. The fibers underwent four wet-dry treatment cycles using both the H/G and H methods. Results revealed significant reductions in water and moisture absorption compared to untreated (UT) fibers. Water absorption decreased from 227.79±0.05% (UT) to 200.34±0.05% (H) and 130.37±0.03% (H/G), while moisture absorption reduced from 9.286% (UT) to 7.03% (H) and 5.854% (H/G). Additionally, an increase in fiber density was observed, rising from 1.72±0.012 g/cm³ (UT) to 1.78±0.012 g/cm³ (H) and 1.87±0.04 g/cm³ (H/G), attributed to the infiltration of hexamine and gallic acid into the fiber cells. Mechanical performance was assessed through flexural and compressive tests after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Both elastic modulus and compressive strength improved progressively from untreated fibers through the H method to the H/G method, with increases of 20% and 30%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the hexamine and gallic acid treatment enhances the effectiveness of the hornification process, significantly improving the water resistance and mechanical performance of the treated fibers.
VL  - 14
IS  - 4
ER  -

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