ABSTRACT
The inclusion of fibre reinforcement in concrete, mortar and cement paste can enhance many of the engineering properties of the basic materials, such as fracture toughness, flexural strength and resistance to fatigue, impact, thermal shock and spalling. In recent years, a great deal of interest has been created worldwide on the potential applications of natural fibre reinforced, cement based composites. Investigations have been carried out in many countries on various mechanical properties, physical performance and durability of cement based matrices reinforced with naturally occurring fibres including sisal, coconut, jute, bamboo and wood fibres. These fibres have always been considered promising as reinforcement of cement based matrices because of their availability, low cost and low consumption of energy. In this review, the general properties of the composites are described in relation to fibre content, length, strength and stiffness. A chronological development of sisal fibre reinforced, cement based matrices is reported and experimental data are provided to illustrate the performance of sisal fibre reinforced cement composites. A brief description on the use of these composite materials as building products has been included. The influence of sisal fibres on the development of plastic shrinkage in the pre-hardened state, on tensile, compressive and bending strength in the hardened state of mortar mixes is discussed. Creep and drying shrinkage of the composites and the durability of natural fibres in cement based matrices are of particular interest and are also highlighted. The results show that the composites reinforced with sisal fibres are reliable materials to be used in practice for the production of structural elements to be used in rural and civil construction. This material could be a substitute asbestos-cement composite, which is a serious hazard to human and animal health and is prohibited in industrialized countries. The production of sisal fibres as compared with synthetic fibres or even with mineral asbestos fibres needs much less energy in addition to the ecological, social and economical benefits.
Key words:
composite material; natural fibres; concrete; mortar; strength; stiffness; durability
RESUMO
A inclusão de fibras em concretos, argamassas e pastas de cimento melhora propriedades básicas desses materiais tais como a tenacidade na fratura, a resistência à flexão, ao impacto, à choques térmicos e à desagregação. Nos últimos anos tem se observado, em todo o mundo, um grande interesse na aplicação de materiais compósitos, com matrizes a base de cimento, reforçados com fibras vegetais tais como sisal, juta, fibra de coco, fibra de bambu e celulose. Essas fibras têm sido consideradas potencialmente atrativas como reforço de matrizes a base de cimento devido a sua disponibilidade, baixo custo e do baixo consumo de energia gasto na sua produção. No presente artigo, as propriedades gerais dos compósitos são descritas em relação ao volume de fibras, comprimento, resistência e rigidez. O evolução cronológica do uso de fibras de sisal como reforço de matrizes a base de cimento é reportado e dados experimentais são apresentados para ilustrar o comportamento dos compósitos. Uma rápida descrição do uso desses compósitos como elementos de construção é também feita. A influência da presença de fibras de sisal na retração plástica e na resistência à tração, compressão e flexão no estado endurecido de matrizes a base de cimento é discutida. A fluência e a retração por secagem dos compósitos e a durabilidade das fibras vegetais na matriz alcalina são características relevantes e são também discutidas. Os resultados apresentados mostram que os compósitos reforçados com fibras de sisal podem ser usados com segurança na produção de elementos estruturais visando seu emprego nas construções civis e rurais. Esse material pode ser usado, por exemplo, como substituto dos produtos a base de fibras de asbestos os quais podem trazer danos a saúde de seres humanos e animais e que são proibidos, por lei, nos países industrializados. A produção das fibras de sisal, quando comparada com a das fibras sintéticas ou minerais, requer uma quantidade energia muito menor, além dos benefícios ecológicos, sociais e econômicos.
Palavras-chave:
compósitos; fibras naturais; concreto; argamassa; resistência; rigidez; durabilidade
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Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
May-Aug 1999