Optimization of Flexural Strength and Thermal Conductivity of Mortar Reinforced with Alfa Fibers

Abstract

This paper focuses on the optimization of flexural strength and thermal conductivity of mortar reinforced with Alfa fibers. Fibers were manually extracted from Alfa leafs to avoid the risk of degradation of mechanical properties. A first group of samples (300 x 300 x 30 mm) having a fiber volume fraction of 0.5 to 1.5% is prepared to measure the thermal conductivity.The second composite family (40 x 40 x 160 mm) cured in a wet chamber is used for measuring its bending strength. The fiber percentage varies from 0.74 to 1,85%.The results show that the thermal conductivity decreases by increasing the fiber content. While the optimal percentage of fiber for the flexural strength is estimated at 1%, corresponding to an increase of 27% in strength.