Improvement of the Mechanical Behavior of Composite Materials with Different Binders Based on Local Plant Fibers Alfa and Diss

Abstract

Concerned about the environmental and economic impact, composite materials are increasingly used in the construction sector. Indeed, the use of plant fibers as reinforcement in construction materials have been the subject of several researches in recent years; the main motivation is the weight gain combined with high mechanical characteristics. The objective of this research concerns the study of the physicomechanical properties of composite materials with cement and clay matrices reinforced with Alfa and Diss fibers with dimensions ranging from 2 to 8 cm. This involves evaluating the performance of these materials according to the formulation, for a volume ratio (Alfa or Diss / Matrix fibers equal to 4), using dry fibers and pre-wetted fibers. The study of the mechanical properties showed a drop of the performance for both compression and bending strength compared to the reference material without adding fibers (cement or clay paste). It should be noted that the best mechanical performance is obtained for the case of composites materials with cementitious matrix with pre-wetted fibers. On the other hand, in the case of composites with clayey matrices, pre-wetting does not improve the mechanical characteristics. It is also noted that the best dimensions of fibers which improve the mechanical characteristics in bending are generally 6 cm for composites with a clay matrix and between 2 and 4 cm for cementitious composites. In all cases, the fibers in composite materials with cement or clay matrix create a bridging effect, making it possible to limit the progression of cracks during loading. This phenomenon gives to the various composite materials a ductile behavior.

Enhancing the Performance and Durability of Eco-Friendly Mortar with Diss Fibers (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus)

“…Values Apparent density g/cm 3 1.04 Absolute density g/cm 3 3.08 Blaine-specific surface (cm The "F" fibers of the Diss plant (Figure 2) were picked from the mountains of Algeria. They were cut into stems 2.5 cm tall, and then treated with boiling water for 20 min (Figure 3) to eliminate the cellulose which influences cement setting and hydration and the organic matter impurities which increases the demand for water, according to Fertikh et al [13], and to improve the adherence with the cement.…”

“…The fibers of this plant have been used for a long time for the manufacture of ecoconstructions based on earth and traditional materials. Diss fiber has a tensile strength of about 100 MPa, a density of 850 kg/m 3 , and a spiny structure which can offer a high adherence to the cement paste [3].…”

“…Flexural tensile strength on specimens of size 4×4×16 cm 3 preserved in water with 20℃ and compressive strength on half prisms of size 4×4×4 cm 3 at the age of 7, 28 and 90 days, as per NF P18-406 and P18-407 standards.…”

Examining the bending test properties of bio-composites strengthened with fibers through a combination of experimental and modeling approaches

“…Belkhir et Merzoud. 23 Their observations revealed that the composites utilizing Diss fibers exhibit a greater flexural strength compared to those incorporating Alfa fibers. Fernea et al 24 Exploring the effect of increasing hemp fiber content in defective composites in terms of mechanical properties, it was observed that with an increase in fiber content, the compressive and bending strength of the composites decreases.…”