Enhancement of fabric–mortar interfacial adhesion by particle decoration: insights from pull-off measurements

Abstract

Polymer-impregnated carbon fabric is used as an alternative to metallic reinforcement bars in cementitious materials, which is then termed textile-reinforced concrete (TRC). In this study, the bond strength between the cement-based matrix and the fabric was enhanced by decorating the polymer (an epoxy) coating the carbon fabric with hydrophilic micron-size particles (cement or silica) or nanocarbons (functionalized carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide). Cement powder decoration led to a 25% increase in the bond strength (measured by a pull-off test) and a 30% improvement in the mechanical properties of the composite. At the micron scale, the decoration resulted in the formation of a 100-μm thick interlayer between the decorated fabric and the cement-based matrix. Unexpectedly, exposure of the cement-decorated samples to a NaCl environment (as in off-shore constructions) resulted in enhanced bond strength due to the growth of salt crystals at the fabric–matrix interface.

Porous Conductive Textiles for Wearable Electronics

“…For example, the bonding strength between the cement-based matrix (concrete) and the fabric was enhanced by applying hydrophilic micron-size particles (cement or silica) or nanocarbons (functionalized carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide) into the epoxy polymer coating of the carbon fabric. 767 The bonding strength characterized by pull-off test was increased by 25% by the cement powder decoration, and the mechanical properties of the composite were improved by 30%. At the micron scale, the particle decoration resulted in a formation of a 100 μm thick interlayer between the fabric and the matrix.…”

“…Various nanoparticles such as nanoclays, silica, TiO 2 , ZnO, and nanocarbon materials have been used to reinforce the textile–matrix interface by providing nanoscale interactions. − Interlocking structures at multiple scales can be achieved in one system for interfacial enhancement. For example, the bonding strength between the cement-based matrix (concrete) and the fabric was enhanced by applying hydrophilic micron-size particles (cement or silica) or nanocarbons (functionalized carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide) into the epoxy polymer coating of the carbon fabric . The bonding strength characterized by pull-off test was increased by 25% by the cement powder decoration, and the mechanical properties of the composite were improved by 30%.…”

Jute textiles with enhanced interfacial bonding as reinforcement for cementitious composites

“…8,18,19 This phenomenon, called telescope pull-off failure behavior, is common to other textiles reinforced concrete (TRC), mainly made of glass and carbon, and it covers the field of bonding properties. [20][21][22][23] In addressing the problem of telescope pull-off failure, solutions are still being studied to achieve better composite tensile properties, focused on other textile sources. It can be improved by impregnating polymer to cover the textile (e.g.…”

“…They require another cover by particles: sandblast (silica) is one of the most applied, an inorganic source that permits good bonding properties 26 ; PVA's fiber 20 ; mortar, graphene oxide, among other particles. 8,22 In another way, textile coated by micro silica powder, without polymeric resin, acted as an efficient option for improving the performance of carbon TRC, filling interstices in the bundle spaces and bonding with the matrix. Micro silica presented an increase of 65% in toughness at the pullout test in comparison to uncoated yarn samples 27 and enhanced 29% in terms of ultimate strength action of glass (ARG) TRC in three bending tests.…”

“…synthetic resins - epoxy, natural rubber) that would provide enhanced stress transfer between all areas of yarn during loading. 22,24,25 Even so, synthetic polymers are not entirely compatible with cementitious matrix. They require another cover by particles: sandblast (silica) is one of the most applied, an inorganic source that permits good bonding properties 26 ; PVA’s fiber 20 ; mortar, graphene oxide, among other particles.…”