Title:
Characterization of Novel Natural Fiber-Reinforced Strain- Hardening Cementitious Composites
Author(s):
N. Premkumar, J. Maheswaran, and M. Chellapandian
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
121
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
75-90
Keywords:
alkaline treatment; mechanical characterization; microstructure analysis; natural fibers; strain-hardening cementitious composites (SHCCs)
DOI:
10.14359/51740783
Date:
9/1/2024
Abstract:
In this research work, efforts to develop a sustainable natural
fiber-reinforced strain-hardening cementitious composite
(NFSHCC) mixture are attempted. The key objective of the present
study is to develop and characterize the NFSHCC mixture prepared
using plant-based fibers such as pineapple, flax, kenaf, and hemp.
First, the raw natural fibers were pretreated using an alkaline
NaOH solution to remove the biodegradable properties such as
wax, lignin, and so on. Using the treated natural fibers, an NFSHCC
mixture was produced for a detailed mechanical and morphological
characterization. Results reveal that flax fiber-based SHCC could
develop the characteristics of artificial fiber-based SHCC, such
as high tensile strength and large ultimate strain limits. Specifically,
the flax SHCC specimens showed a large tensile strength and
ultimate strain values of 10.3 MPa (1.49 ksi) and 2.5%, respectively.
Moreover, the microstructural characterization using fieldemission
scanning electron microscope analysis (FESEM) revealed
excellent matrix-fiber bonding, which eventually led all NFSHCC
samples to exhibit better mechanical properties on par with the
commercial fibers.