Influence of short-term degradation on coir in natural fibre-cement composites

Julian L. Stapper, Florent Gauvin (Corresponding author), H.J.H. (Jos) Brouwers

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30 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Natural fibres are regarded as a potential bio-based alternative to traditional fibre material used in cement-based composites. A well-known complication of natural fibres is their instability the alkaline cement environment, which causes degradation. This work presents a study of mechanical performance, microstructure, and composition of coir fibres exposed to alkalinity, focusing on short-term degradation mechanisms of degradation. Fibre performance was found to be unrelated to the alkalinity of the medium and only hemicellulose was found to readily degrade in a highly alkaline environment. It was therefore concluded that alkaline hydrolysis is not the main factor involved in natural fibre degradation.
Original languageEnglish
Article number124906
Number of pages11
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume306
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2021

Keywords

  • Natural fibres
  • bio-based materials
  • Cement-fibre composites
  • Cement-fibre compatibility
  • Alkaline degradation
  • Short-term degradation
  • Alkaline hydrolysis
  • Fibre mineralisation
  • Bio-based material
  • Natural fibre

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