Performance of fibers embedded in a cementitious matrix

Reinforcement of cementitious materials with short fibers has been proved to be an economical and effective way to convert these brittle materials to ductile products. Many fibers with different geometries have been used as reinforcement materials. Fibers bonding to cementitious materials play an important role in mechanical performance of these composites. This article describes the performance of (homemade) fibers as reinforcement in cement-based materials by investigation on bonding characteristic of fiber to cement matrix. To this end, the fibers (glass, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and high strength nylon 66 (N66)) are characterized using microscopy analysis, tensile strength, and alkali attack tests. The fibers embedded in the cement matrix, then, pulled-out to evaluate their bonding to cementitious materials. SEM analysis is used to study fiber/cement interfacial transition zone. The results show that PAN fibers have the advantages of preparing for cementitious reinforcement. It was found that the reinforcing efficiency of fibers-reinforced cementitious composites was strongly depending on interfacial contact area in fiber/matrix interface and chemical/physical properties of fibers.