How does it work?

ConFib blocks are made with recycled paper pulp, cement, sand and water. The ratio of paper, cement, and sand affect the compressive strength – the amount of weight that the blocks can withstand per square inch (psi), and the R-value – the resistance of building materials and structures to the flow of heat ConFib can have a compressive strength of 260psi and R-value of 2.0 per inch. More sand or cement in the mixture increases the compressive strength but lowers the R-value; more paper increases the R-value but decreases the compressive strength.

A significant benefit is that ConFib blocks do not require expensive equipment to make, though without equipment the process is labor and water intensive. ConFib blocks do not require firing as do bricks, which means their production does not require fuel or contribute to pollution. They do require high temperatures to be properly cured, so they are an ideal alternative for arid regions because of the hot and dry climate. The paper in the blocks can hold moisture, which can pose a problem to the structural integrity of the blocks and also support mold growth. Applying a layer of plaster or stucco to the outside of a wall can prevent moisture from getting trapped in the blocks and give the structure a more polished look.

The Production Process…

1. Shred paper into chunks

2. Add water to the paper and mix until it turns into pulp

3. Dry the pulp

4. Add sand, cement, and water to the paper pulp

5. Drain the water and place the mix into molds

6. Place the molds in the sun to dry, turning the molds as needed to ensure complete drying

Benefits

• Uses recycled paper, which can be locally sourced and kept out of landfills
• Has a high R-value of 2.0 per inch, resulting in good thermal resistance during both winter and summer, ultimately reducing the cost of heating and cooling
• Can be made using low cost materials
• Is malleable and can take any shape
• Is fire resistant
• Can be cured in the sun

 Limitations

• Can be water, time, and labor intensive
• Can be made on-site but materials must be transported
• Requires arid conditions for effective and efficient drying

Educational Activities

• How to Construct a Fibrous Concrete Bench [How to Construct a Paper Crete Bench – rev]
• In Spanish: Manual Bloques de Confib a mano - para escuelas

For More Information

• From Waste to Resource: Fibrous Concrete as an Alternative to Landfilling and Burning Paper in Nogales, Sonora
• Manual for Fibrous Concrete Block Makers - (Also available in Spanish)
• A Quick Guide to Producing Fibrous Concrete - (Also available in Spanish)