Chemical treatments such as alkaline, saline-treatment has been experimentally proven to improve the mechanical properties of natural fibers. However, drawbacks to the treatment includes shrinkage of diameter and length. This affects the aspect-ratio of the fiber. Though the interfacial bond increases and there's a higher possibility of greater adhesion between the fiber surface and concrete matrix, the high aspect ratio will, I assume, decrease the mechanical properties of concrete? I have yet to read articles using chemically treated natural fibers in concrete mix so if anyone has any recommendation, please do drop a quick comment.
for improving the mechanical properties of concrete, it is necessary to make a strong bond between mortar phase of concrete to fibre, and at the same time this bonding will not affect the bonding between mortar phase and course aggregate in concrete. for improving the bonding between fibre and mortar, surface of fibre must be rough.
http://file.scirp.org/pdf/JMMCE20120800002_48071818.pdf
http://www.jchps.com/specialissues/Special%20issue%207/21%20MITNC-23%20S.Milan%2072-77.pdf
http://file.scirp.org/pdf/JMMCE20100600007_11354020.pdf
Dear Sheikh,
There are attempt by researchers to use eco-friendly chemical treatment that has very little effect on the properties of natural fibres.
The following paper is a good paper worth reading:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359836815005636
Best wishes
Thank you for the recommendation. Appreciate it.
Best Regards.
Dear Sheikh,
Based on my experience with reinforcing material, chemical treatment can improve mechanical properties of natural fibres up to 20% (Chuah, 2015). The trick for a better improvement rate depends on the careful preparation of samples.
For your references: (I got problems uploading this doc...have been stuck on this thread for 10 mins. If you need the pdf copies, message me for them)
1) Nano reinforced cement and concrete composites and new perspective from graphene oxide.pdf
2) Developments on vegetable fibre–cement based materials in São Paulo, Brazil an overview.pdf
3) Chemical treatments of natural fiber for use in natural fiber-reinforced composites: a review.pdf
- Badges
- Science topic