Recent advancements in construction materials development have involved the utilization of plant-based natural fibers such as kenaf, sisal, coir and banana to replace conventional fibers such as carbon, steel, polypropylene and aramid. However, the main issue with using these fibers is the alkaline cement matrix's durability and compatibility due to high water absorption. Hence, this research focuses on the use of alkali treatment of banana fibers to enhance the mechanical properties of cellular lightweight concrete (CLC). Banana fibers were subjected to 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% NaOH treatment before being included in 1200 kg/m3 density CLC. Plain CLC and untreated fiber composites (0% NaOH treatment) were used as the control. Results from the study indicate that compared to the untreated fibre composites and plain control CLC at 28 days, compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths increased simultaneously with 6% NaOH fibre treatment to peaks of 40.6% and 59.8%, 63.8% and 117.4%, and 77.4% and 157.8% respectively. The 6% NaOH treatment of BF tremendously improved the mechanical characteristics of single fibers and BFRCLC composites. It is therefore concluded that 6% NaOH treatment of banana fibre was the optimum percentage alkali treatment for use in CLC.
Traditionally, Ultralightweight Foam Concrete (ULFC) is primarily used to replace filling excavations, ditch restoration and underground channels, because of their high porosity, water absorption and low strength. Yet, ULFC is characterized by excellent thermal properties and could be an alternative for sustainable energy-efficient building material. This study investigates the properties of an ULFC strengthened with alkali-treated banana fibre. The low density ULFC of 600kg/m3 was fabricated and strengthened with alkali-treated banana fibre. Fibre volume fraction of 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.45% and 0.55% were compared to the unreinforced specimens, serving as the control specimen (no fibre addition). Mix proportioning of 1:1.5:0.45 of cement, sand, and water was respectively adopted throughout the mix. The alkali treated banana fibre strengthened ULFC was tested for compressive strength, sorptivity and thermal properties. Morphology of the treated fibre and ULFC composites was studied using SEM micrograph. The result depicts that ULFC exhibited the optimum compressive strength of 1.1604N/mm2 with the fibre volume fraction of 0.35%. Sorptivity or rate of water absorption was testified to upsurge, after 24 hours duration at fibre volume fraction of 0.55%, recording a 56.12% increment compared to the control specimen. The finding displays that at the highest-fibre volume fraction of 0.55%, thermal conductivity and diffusivity decrease by 13.17% and 28.16%, correspondingly, whiles the specific heat capacity increases to 37.17% all compared with unreinforced specimens. SEM images reveal that the presence of lumen and the nature of porous and fibrous alkali-treated banana fibre. Hence, it is endorsed that ULFC produced with alkali-treated banana fibre should be utilized as an infill material for composite system.
For a Lightweight Foamed Concrete (LFC) to efficiently function as an energy-saving building material, its self-weight (density) should be reduced. However, the problem associated with a reduced density is a decline in strength. To improve the mechanical properties of LFC, this research attempts to integrate banana fibre into LFC composite with a focus on fresh and harden state properties. An Ultra-Lightweight Foamed Concrete (ULFC) with a density of 600 kg/m3 was produced with the inclusion of treated and untreated banana fibres. The volume fractions of banana fibre added into LFC were 0.00% (control specimen), 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.45% and 0.55%. In addition, an optimised batch mix of ULFC reinforced with 0.35% untreated banana fibre was produced. The batches were tested for rheological, physical, and mechanical properties. Findings reveal that the workability of ULFC composites decrease with increase in fibre addition. The compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths of the alkali-treated composites were higher than the untreated banana fibre composite. SEM micrograph reveals that defibrillation of bundle fibrils due to cleaning the surface amorphous hemicellulose, lignin and pectin of the alkali-treated fibre, leads to rough surfaces and increase surface area resulting in better interfacial adhesion of the fibre with cement matrix.
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