Influence of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene Fibers on the Mechanical and Electrochemical Properties of Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

The quantity of different plastics generated after consumption is an impact factor affecting the environment, and the lack of recycling generates solid waste. The purpose of this work is to incorporate high-density recycled polyethylene fibers (HDPE) for possible use as concrete reinforcement. Physical and mechanical properties from recycled fibers were analyzed, such as density, absorption, and stress resistance, as well as workability, air content, porosity, concrete compression, and flexural strength properties. Samples were prepared with a low fiber content of 0.2% and 0.4%, as a substitution for sand weight, and lengths of 10 and 30 mm. To study corrosion phenomena, the specimens were exposed to a saline environment containing 3% sodium chloride for 365 days, and the electrochemical techniques including half-cell potential (HCP), electrochemical noise (EN), linear polarization resistance (LPR), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were applied. The results showed a 4.8% increase in compressive strength with a low fiber percentage and short geometries, while flexural strength increased marginally by 2.3% with small quantities of HDPE fibers. All these factors contribute to greater material durability, less permeability, and crack control. A positive effect of fibers with short dimensions on the corrosion processes of a steel bar was observed, with the fibers acting as a physical barrier against the diffusion of chloride ions.

Corrosion Resistance of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete Using Natural Fibers Treated with Used Engine Oil

“…The slump test is used to evaluate the consistency or workability of the concrete mix. The workability is an indicator of quality control of materials such as fine and coarse aggregates with the cementitious matrix [4]. Workability concrete results are shown in Figure 9 where the concrete control presents a 14 cm slump effect, and when adding treated natural fibers (TNF) an annealing increase due to the reduction in water quantity was obtained, and a consequence of UEO acting as a water reducer during the curing process, and the increase in a slump from high contents of SO3 in UEO [35,57].…”

“…[3]. To reduce the effects of corrosion, the need to obtain synthetic, natural, or waste materials as alternatives to conventional reinforced concrete has been sought [4].…”

A Review on the Effects of Waste Textile Polymer Fiber on Concrete Strength: Exploring the Key Parameters

“…Lightweight fibers can help in achieving lighter concrete structures, which can be beneficial for applications where weight reduction is desirable, such as in precast elements or structures with weight limitations. Alejandro Flores Nicolás et al [106] investigated the effect of high-density recycled polyethylene fiber on the mechanical properties of FRC. They found that the recycled fibers showed a decrease in tensile strength and toughness, but a slight 2.3% increase in concrete flexural strength.…”

Influence of Nanoparticles and PVA Fibers on Concrete and Mortar on Microstructural and Durability Properties

“…The incorporation of glass and polypropylene fibers on both the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of concrete has increased the crack resistance under the jet impact load [22,23]. The findings of the study offer valuable insights into the potential advantages of utilizing low-modulus elasticity fibers in enhancing the performance of concrete [24][25][26][27][28]. Henceforth, the nanoparticles influence the fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of concrete with the inclusion of supplementary cementitious material.…”