Title:
Extruded Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Author(s):
Yixin Shao, Shashidhara Marikunte, and Surendra P. Shah
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
17
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
48-53
Keywords:
extrusions; manufacturing; fibers; flexural tests; porosity; tension tests; Manufacturing
DOI:
Date:
4/1/1995
Abstract:
Previous research at Northwestern University has shown that when continuous aligned fibers or mats are used, the toughness of a cement matrix composite can be increased by orders of magnitude. The research group at Northwestern University has been working on developing extrusion technology to incorporate short fibers into the cementitious matrix. Extrusion technology is an economical mass-production method. The advantage of introducing extrusion into cement product processing is that the materials are formed under high shear and high compressive forces. With properly designed dies and properly controlled material mixes and viscosity, the fibers can be aligned in the load-bearing direction. The matrix and fiber packing can be densified to achieve a low porosity, and the interface bond between the fiber and matrix is strengthened. The extrusion technology is a potential candidate for low cost commercial applications, such as interior and exterior building panels, shingles, roofing tiles, corrugated sheets, structural shapes, and pressure pipes.