Polypropylene fiber–matrix bonds in cementitious composites

Abstract

It is known that for creating advanced polyole n/ cement-based composites the polymer surface should be converted into a layer which is compatible with the inorganic component. In this respect, plasma chemistry offers additional solutions to the wet chemistry approach. It has been demonstrated during the last decade that cold plasma-mediated reactions are suitable for etching and surface functionalizing even the most inert polymeric substrates, including Te on, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE). In this paper composite preparations from SiCl 4 -cold plasma and chromic acid-treated brillated PP substrates and cement are described. The nature of plasma-and wet chemistry-induced surface functionalization and etching processes was monitored using survey and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total re ectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and dynamic water contact angle measurements. It has been demonstrated that the plasma-exposed surfaces result in increased adhesion between the bers and the cementitious matrix in comparison with the chromic acid-modi ed bers. It has been shown that the improved tensile strength values can be related to the treatment-generated polar surface functionalities as well as roughness.

A comparative study on the flexural performance of plasma treated polypropylene fiber reinforced cementitious composites

“…On the other hand, in case of untreated fiber reinforcement, at the post-peak region continuous steady state fiber slipping was dominant rather than fiber break. The improvements in the polypropylene surface bonding capacity with cementitious matrices by plasma treatment were also reported in recent studies (Li and Stang, 1997;Wu and Li, 1999;Kanda and Li, 1999;Feldman et al, 2000). This improvement is attributed to the plasma treatment generated polar surface functionalities and surface roughness (Feldman et al, 2000).…”

Combined effect of basalt and polypropylene fibers on compressive strength of concrete

“…A synthetic ingredient with a 100 percent polypropylene foundation called polypropylene fibre is added to concrete during production, requires little handiwork to make, is simple to use, and enhances various qualities of concrete [34]. Because polypropylene fibres stop concrete microcracks from spreading [33], permeability is reduced and the compression factor is raised.…”