Title:
Hydration Kinetics and Microstructure Development in Cementitious Composites Incorporating Upcycled Textile-Derived Cellulose
Author(s):
Chamini Liyanage, Chamila Gunasekara, David W. Law, and Sujeeva Setunge
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
121-134
Keywords:
cellulose; compressive strength; microstructure; recycled textile hydration; sustainable cement composite
DOI:
10.14359/51749502
Date:
5/1/2026
Abstract:
The use of concrete composites with textile waste provides a sustainable path for circular construction. This paper reports the effects of the incorporation of textile-derived cellulose on the performance of cementitious composites. The study investigated the effect of the substitution of cement with microcellulose, 0 to 5%, on the compressive strength of cement paste. Isothermal calorimetry revealed cellulose delays initial hydration and increases the cumulative heat release over time. Chemical and microstructural analytical techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and scanning electron microscopy were employed to examine the reaction kinetics of the cement when incorporating recycled cellulose. The research findings highlighted that recycled textile cellulose notably impacts the cement paste hydration process and the properties developed. Optimal cellulose content was identified as 1% by cement weight.
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