Recycled nylon fibers as cement mortar reinforcement

Abstract

We investigate engineering applications of recycled nylon fibers obtained from waste fishing nets, focusing our attention on the use of recycled nylon fibers as tensile reinforcement of cementitious mortars. We begin by characterizing the tensile behavior of both unconditioned and alkali-cured recycled nylon fibers obtained through manual cutting of waste fishing net filaments, with the aim of assessing the resistance of such materials to chemical attacks. Next, we deal with compression and bending tests on cementitious mortars reinforced with recycled nylon fibers, and establish comparisons with the experimental behavior of the unreinforced material. In our analysis of different weight fractions and aspect ratios of the reinforcing fibers, we observe marked increases in the tensile strength and toughness of the nylon reinforced mortar, as compared with the unreinforced material. The presented results emphasize the high environmental and mechanical potential of recycled nylon fibers for the reinforcement of sustainable construction materials

A review on Properties of Fiber Reinforced Cement-based materials

“…S. Spadea et al (2015) reported that up to 35% improvement in tensile strength and enhancement of fracture DOI: 10.9790/1684-130501104112 www.iosrjournals.org 108 | Page properties of cement mortar was observed by addition of R-Nylon fibers [7].C.D. Atis and O.…”

“…Spadea et al (2015) concluded that the incorporation of recycled fibers to the mix resulted in enhancement of toughness properties of concrete and mortar [7]. D.A.…”

“…Addition of fiber is generally considered to increase the ductility of the material. S. Spadea et al (2015) concluded that the incorporation of recycled fibers to the mix resulted in improvement of ductility properties of concrete and [7]. D. Foti (2013) studied that high volume fraction of fibers enhances ductile behavior of concrete [3].…”

“…While the plain concrete failed catastrophically during the compression tests, Brandt (2008) advocated thatplastic fiber reinforced concrete fails with occurrence of plentiful minor cracks on the surface [9]. S. Spadea et al (2015) investigated that incorporation of very short recycled nylon fibers decreases the compressive strength of inspected mortar (up to -37%) [7]. S.B.…”

“…They are usually produced from glass, steel and other organic polymers. Figure (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) shows some fibers utilized in cementitious material [47] and Table 1 shows mechanical characteristics of various fibers [3]. Naturally occurring fibers such as sisal and coir are also utilized for reinforcement.…”