Influence of the fiber treatment and matrix modification on the durability of eucalyptus fiber reinforced composites

It is well known that the most important issue of cement-based composites is the durability of the natural fibers. The present study evaluates the effect of activated coal mining residues on the physical-mechanical properties of fiber cement composites reinforced by thermally treated eucalyptus pulp, before and after accelerated aging. The results showed that the partial substitution of cement by activated coal mining residues and the use of thermally treated fibers contribute to the improvement of the mechanical properties of the composites. Indeed, an increase of the values of the modulus of rupture (MOR) and the specific energy (SE) of the composites is observed under four-point bending flexural tests. Moreover, after accelerated aging tests, both fiber treatment and matrix modification contribute to mitigate the degradation of the fibers and increase the mechanical properties of the composites. According to the results of the study, the use of activated coal mining residues as partial substitution of cement and hornification treatment of the pulp, can lead to the improvement of the mechanical performance and durability of fiber cement composites. •Advance in the knowledge of the synergistic effects in fiber cement composites.•Composites with ACW and hornification showed better physico-mechanical properties.•Composites with ACW and hornification improved the durability of fibers.•Hornification and ACW replacement presents potential to be used as combined treatments.•Fiber-matrix treatments that allows better mechanical performance and durability.