Title:
New Fiber Technology (Cement, Ceramic, and Polymeric Composites)
Author(s):
Antoine E. Naaman
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
20
Issue:
7
Appears on pages(s):
57-62
Keywords:
bending; bond; cracking; fiber reinforced concretes; fibers; fracture energy; modulus of rupture; optimization; pull-out; strain hardening; twisting
DOI:
Date:
7/1/1998
Abstract:
This article explains the main ideas behind a patent application for new shapes of fibers optimized for use in cement, ceramic, and polymeric matrices. The new fibers have polygonal or substantially polygonal cross sections. They are designed to increase the ratio of the fiber lateral bonded area to the cross-sectional area, and to be amenable to twisting along their axis. Increasing the lateral surface area increases bond forces due to friction and/or adhesion. Twisting, on the other hand, leads to very high increases in the mechanical component of bond, benefitting a host of other mechanical properties, such as strength and fracture energy. Experimental test results are described to support the theoretical predictions.