Interactions of cellulose fibre in autoclaved fibre-cement products have been studied. The organic material released from the fibre has little effect on cement hydration and, in an industrial plant, is likely to be offset by the alkaline recycle water used to resuspend the fibres. Degradation of the fibres observed as a decrease in cellulose polymerisation, occurs during pre-autoclave curing. This degradation is catalysed by Ca~(2+) and accentuated in the presence of O_2- Movement of Ca~(2+) into the fibres occurs during the curing process and there is loss of organic material from the fibres. While the mechanism is not clear, it is speculated that the formation of Ca-hydroxy complexes assists the degradation.
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