Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Cementitous Composites

I.O. Oladele, A.D. Akinwekomi, U. Donatus

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria..

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2012.114031                

Abstract

Pulverised stem fibres of the natural sponge plant, SP, (Acanthus montanus) and stranded coconut fibre, CF, (Cocos nucifera) from the coir tree were used as reinforcements for thin cement sheets in this research work. The mixture of cement and pulverised waste paper, which formed the matrix, was maintained constant while the fibre mass concentration of both fibres were varied. The slurry formed by adding water to the mixture of the matrix materials and the reinforcement fibres, was poured into rectangular mould and consequently pressed to eject excess water. De-moulded samples were allowed to cure in the laboratory for twenty-eight days before flexural and compressive tests were carried out. The analysis of the experimental results established that sample coded as S4, with 30% CF and 70% SP, showed the most promising result. This implied that particulate reinforcement in cement matrix composite contributed to higher and improved flexural load bearing capacity and ductility when utilised in a higher proportion than long fibres.

Keywords

Mechanical properties, hybrid, natural sponge, coconut fibre, cement matrix.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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