Title:
Influence of Rice Husk Ash on Properties of Sisal Pulp-Mortar Composites
Author(s):
B. Chatveera and P. Nimityongskul
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
154
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
211-228
Keywords:
bending; composite materials; compression; mechanical properties; mortars (material); rice; sisal; tension; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/955
Date:
5/1/1995
Abstract:
To improve durability, it is necessary to find remedial solutions to counteract the embrittlement process of natural fiber reinforced composite materials. One solution to alleviate fiber degradation is to reduce the alkalinity of the pore fluid in the cement paste. This can be achieved by replacing a part of the normal portland cement with a highly reactive pozzolanic material. The purpose of this research study was to investigate experimentally the mechanical behavior of sisal pulp-mortar composites containing cement blended with a modified rice husk ash (MRHA). The main variable was the pulp volume fraction. The results of sisal pulp-mortar composites were compared to those using bamboo and pine pulps. The water-cementitious and sand cementitious ratios by weight were kept constant. The dosage of superplasticizer was fixed. The tests on the composites included strengths under direct tension, axial compression, anticlastic, and bending. The material performance tests were conducted for moisture content, water absorption, expansion, drying shrinkage, and impact resistance. he durability of the composites was investigated by simulating aging cycles. The results showed that after being subjected to 48 simulated aging cycles, the sisal pulp- mortar containing five percent pulp volume fraction showed the highest modulus of toughness. Other tests showed that pulp-mortar composites were impervious, durable, possessed high strength and good impact resistance and, therefore, can be considered as suitable substitutes for asbestos-fiber board.