Utilization of basalt fabrics as reinforcement for alkali-activated blast furnace slag systems

Alkali-activated materials based on the alkali-activated blast furnace slag (AABFS) seem to be a suitable alternative construction material due to the environmental and economic aspects. More widespread application potential could be supported by the utilization of fabric reinforcement into the matrix to form AABFS composite with improved mechanical properties. The basalt fibres or fabrics (BFs) represent a reinforcing material suitable for the AABFS due to its favourable price/properties ratio. However, the question of fibres stability under the alkaline conditions should be taken into account. The effect of BFs implementation in one or more layers into various types of matrices to the mechanical properties was studied with the regard to the compressive and flexural strengths. The used matrices were based on the alkali-activation of the BFS with various activators. The fabric/matrix adhesion same as the transition zone properties were studied using the SEM analysis and pull-out tests. Indication of appreciable improvement of mechanical properties utilizing one layer of BFs for some of the mixtures activated using sodium water glass and sodium carbonate was found out.