Effect of jute fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of expanded perlite particles-filled gypsum composites

•Gypsum composites with expanded perlite and jute fiber were manufactured.•The incorporation of perlite and jute fiber in gypsum is a mixed blessing.•Expanded perlite filler decreased the strength but specific strength was increased.•Jute fiber reinforcement increased the toughness of the composites significantly.•Failure mechanisms during compression and flexural tests were positively changed.