The Production History of Fiber Cement Board and Calcium Silicate Board

A macroscopic multiphase material composed of two or more single materials with different properties by appropriate methods, and the composite product is a solid material. All kinds of materials learn from each other in performance, resulting in synergistic effect, so that the comprehensive performance of composite materials is better than that of the original materials to meet various needs.
Our ancient ancestors demonstrated the principle of composite materials by mixing straw with soil to create shelters from wind and rain, and incorporating hemp fiber or chopped straw with lime to decorate walls, fully realizing the advantages of material synergy.

With the development of modern industry, Europe pioneered fiber-reinforced cement and related products, combining mineral fibers, inorganic fibers, organic synthetic fibers, and cementitious materials. This enabled the industrial-scale production of large-format, high-strength fiber-reinforced cement corrugated tiles, sheets, and pipes—a clear embodiment of the composite theory's "1+1>2" synergistic effect.

In China, fiber cement board originated in the mid-1980s. Research institutes including the Suzhou Concrete & Cement Products Research Institute, Wuhan Building Materials Industry Design & Research Institute, and China Academy of Building Materials Science jointly developed production technologies, material formulations, and manufacturing equipment for fiber cement boards and silicate fireproof boards. In 1985, Jiangsu Aifuxi New Building Materials Co., Ltd. produced the first batch of non-autoclaved fiber cement boards on an industrial scale. Meanwhile, Sanming New Building Materials General Factory also commenced mass production of fiber-reinforced silicate fireproof boards, marking the beginning of China’s production history in this field.

Over the past three decades, the industry has grown significantly, now comprising over 120 enterprises and more than 200 production lines, with an annual capacity exceeding 1 billion square meters. It has become an important sector within the cement products industry. Today, fiber cement boards and silicate fireproof boards serve as essential materials in applications such as new wall systems, thermal insulation, and building envelopes, making substantial contributions to modern construction in China.
Fiber cement products differ significantly from other concrete or reinforced concrete materials in terms of manufacturing processes, equipment requirements, and application scope. The reinforcement mechanisms and production techniques used for ordinary cement products also vary greatly from those employed for fiber cement products. Over the years, through close collaboration among research institutions, manufacturers, and design and application units, continuous exploration has yielded a substantial body of knowledge and technical expertise in the production and application of fiber cement products.